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A Mini Guide to Assagao, North Goa

Jules Nazareth — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 13:13:02 +0000

Hello, Jules here, the local Goa expert for Hippie In Heels. I have been living in Goa for nearly 6 years now and have spent a lot of time exploring all there is to see and do. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Assagao, below are all the reasons why that needs to change!

I would compare the sleepy village of Assagao to the famous towns of London and New York. Partly because of the soaring house prices, both rental and purchases but mainly because of the vibe. Assagao is probably one of the coolest areas in Goa. With a huge abundance of beautiful restaurants and shops, it is the dream place to live and definitely the perfect place to visit.

It is not near a beach which makes it sleepy and a lot less crowded. A different type of tourist to the usual partygoer and day drinker visits Assagao and that’s why it feels so peaceful. There are two main roads that run parallel to each other dotted with lots of large and beautiful Portuguese houses. A lot of these are now home to the shops and restaurants that make Assagao as famous as it is.

Where to stay?

I would suggest staying in Assagao if you want to be away from the beach and the crowds. It is about a 20 minute drive to Anjuna Beach and 25 minutes to Vagator Beach. If you are looking for more of a town stay where you don’t want to travel so far to try different restaurants, Assagao is perfect. But if you do want more of an atmosphere, and to be able to walk to a beach then there are plenty of other places to stay.

Tamarind is a nice hotel on the main road with a cute restaurant – Cafe Cotinga – attached to it. They have a swimming pool and lots of options for rooms. See more.

Botanique is a beautiful spot down an unsuspecting gravel road that leads into the tranquil jungle. With a cool and very instagrammable pool they also have a restaurant attached serving delicious food. See more.

Isprava Villas is a group of Villas set all around Goa with a lot of them located in Assagao. These are usually standalone Villas with private pools. See more.

Where to eat?

Assagao is full of some of the best restaurants in Goa. A lot of them will require reservations for dinner especially during the high season of November – March.

Rachel’s Memorial Lunch <3

Gunpowder

This is a very well-known spot and was one of the favourite restaurants of Rachel – the original founder of Hippie In Heels. They do the most delicious South Indian food both for veg and non-veg. It is always better to dine with a bigger group so you can try as many dishes as possible! Don’t miss the Andra Prawns, Potatoe Ishtew, Prawn Mappas, Spicy Beef and the Appam and Laacha Parathas. Yum!

Jamun Dining

Jamun

This place came later than Gunpowder and I would say is a bit of a rival as their cuisine is quite similar yet I think they have more North Indian options. The decor of the restaurant is very cute and they have a lot of cool cocktails on the menu. Don’t miss the Fish Moilee, Broccoli Tandoor, Choriz Pulao and Butter Garlic Prawns.

Jackfruit

This is a very cute cafe which looks a bit like a treehouse. Located nextdoor to Jamun this is more of a lunch spot with delicious simple and more home-made style food. I love their Banana Lassi, Fish Burger, Roast Beef Poie and they have amazing milkshakes and smoothies.

Kefi Beetroot Falafel Salad

Kefi

This is a bit of a newcomer on the scene but a very welcome one. Serving delicious Lebanese food, which is quite hard to come by in Goa, they have a large menu perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss their Mediterranean Thali, Beetroot Falafel Salad, Mockmeat Pasta and the Muhammara is yummm!

Suzie’s Exclusive Dining

Suzie’s

A very fancy and exclusive restaurant that definitely needs to be reserved in advance as once you have been given a slot you will need to choose your choices from the set menu. There are different types of menus depending on your preference – Meat, Fish, Veg and potentially Vegan. The spot is small and beautiful, set down a secluded lane that gives you the feel of a real private restaurant. The cocktails are also so delicious and you can watch them being shaken up as they are made just behind you. This place is bit pricey but you definitely get what you pay for.

Sublime Delicious-ness

Sublime

This restaurant is set in a beautiful Portuguese style house on the main road. A famous brand around Goa, Sublime has been around for a while in different locations but finally seems to have settled in Assagao. The menu is created by the genius that is Chris who has put together some delicious fusions of food. Don’t miss the Taco Platter, Dynamite Shrimp, Indy’s Chicken Salad, Lobster Ravioli and the Vegan Bolognaise.

Babka Cakes

Babka

Stop at Babka for a delicious and proper coffee. It is definitely getting easier to get good coffee in Goa, unlike the old days and Babka is definitely one to try. It feels like the closest thing Goa has to a European coffee shop with their cute outdoor seating area and delicious cakes and sandwiches which can be ordered alongside your coffee.

Barsa Dining

Barsa

Not sure why this place is not called Barca but I assume for some copyright reasons they had to add an S. They serve delicious and very authentic Tapas with a large range of imported and very delicious wines. It is a small place and has a more intimate and cosy vibe. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Don’t miss the Gambas Al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Choriz con Queso and Croquetas.

A Veg Thali from Vinayak

Vinayak

One of the originals in Assagao this family run restaurant serves the very traditional and very famous Fish Thali. Vinayak is well known around Goa and is usually full at lunchtimes with everyone needing their fix of thalis and a fresh lime soda. A must try if you are looking for a more local Goan lunch.

Mojigao

This is one of my favourite lunch spots in Assagao and I usually end up going here a few times a week. Situated in what feels like the jungle in a big restaurant tree-house, it is a beautiful spot. Sharing the same menu with Artjuna in Anjuna, it has an Israeli owner with a lot of delicious Israeli dishes on there. Don’t miss the Humshukka, Tuna Sandwich, Avocado and Egg Croissant, Falafel Plate, Smoothie Bowl and my favourite the Coco Turmeric Smoothie.

Banana Leaf Dining at Tamil Table

Tamil Table

Another newcomer on the scene this very cute restaurant is set in a Portuguese house in a side lane. The yum South Indian dishes are all served on banana leaves, encouraging you to eat with your hands. The cocktails are delicious and the lemon cheesecake may be the best I have ever tasted. Don’t miss the Daal Vadai, Papad with Chutney, Prawn 65, Aubergine Tamarind Curry and the cutest Parotas.

Where to Shop?

Treasures at Rangeela

Rangeela

Head to the most beautiful shop in Goa to shop all things Homeware, Ladies Wear and Mens Wear. With products sourced from all around India plus treasures from South Africa, Bali and Australia, it is impossible to not find something you most definitely need to buy. Give yourself enough time to browse the vast collection of beautiful dresses, printed mens shirts and local ceramics.

Instagram: @rangeelagoa

Website: www.rangeelagoa.com

No Nasties Saving the Fashion World

No Nasties

A great shop full of clothing that is all sustainably sourced and doing it’s best for the environment. Described as Planet Positive clothing, they aim to help save the planet with each sale. Most items are made from Fairtrade organic cotton and all packaging is recyclable material.

Instagram: @nonasties

Website: www.nonasties.in

There are also a few new shops , some just opened and some yet to open popping up on the main road – Flame Store and Gulabo by Abu Sandeep.

What to do?

Race You to the Top?

Take A Walk/Trek

If you are feeling adventurous then head to The Miraculous Cross which is up a very steep and very long staircase. Along the staircase are names and statues of different saints and the story of Jesus Christ. When you reach the top, most likely out of breath, you get a really beautiful view over the green of Assagao and Vagator and all the way out to sea on a clear day. The church is a very sweet outdoor church with no roof at all and a status of Jesus that looks like he is holding an umbrella. I love this spot and have been meaning to make it up for a sunset one day soon!

Shopping Crawl

Head over to Assagao early and get a good amount of shopping in before lunch at one of the delicious restaurants named above. Give yourself enough time to browse all the goodies Assagao has to offer as I can guarantee you won’t be going home empty handed.

House Peeping

Make sure you are looking out the windows of your car as you drive down the main roads of Assagao to see the beautiful houses lining them. Most of them are resident houses with people living in them but as mentioned above a lot are now the restaurants and shops you may visit. While eating or shopping imagine these large and beautiful spaces being homes!

Assagao Birthing Centre

The Assagao Birthing Centre is not just for people giving birth but is also a sort of community centre where they hold lots of weekly and monthly events. Mainly frequented by residents, tourists are also welcome to join their yoga classes, dance and singing workshops, women’s circles and more. Check here for details.

What Would Jules Do?

My ideal visit to Assagao would be to Babka for a coffee, then over to Rangeela to do some shopping followed by lunch at Mojigao or Tamil Table. Then after eating too much, a trip up the very many stairs to the church at the top with the beautiful view followed by a smoothie at Jackfruit.

Hope you enjoyed my view on Assagao. If you have any other must-dos please let me know in the comments.

For More on Goa

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The post A Mini Guide to Assagao, North Goa first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post A Mini Guide to Assagao, North Goa appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

The Top 12 Sunset Spots in North Goa

Jules Nazareth — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:50:37 +0000

Hello, this is Jules here, the local expert for Goa. Here to help you find that perfect sunset spot!

I have been living in Goa now for over 5 years and would definitely class myself as a qualified sunset chaser! I have spent most of my time living a 3 minute walk away from the beach, so chasing sunsets has been a daily activity of mine for a while – lucky me! As Goa is on the West Coast of India, we are fortunate enough to be able to see these sunsets from all the beaches along the coast.

Goa doesn’t always have the best sunsets, it can really depend on the time of year but nothing can beat watching the big great ball of fire dipping right into the ocean – The Touchdown. On a clear day which is usually most of the days between November and April this is what you should be able to see.

And from June until end of September it is pretty much monsoon so the sky will usually be filled with dark, grey clouds and there isn’t much to chase at all.

However, in the month of October as Goa transitions from Monsoon to the high and very sunny season we get glorious sunsets nearly everyday as the clouds create orange, pink and yellow magic in the sky.

So if you find yourself in North Goa in the months that aren’t monsoon, then make sure you check out one of the below spots to chase the perfect sunset!

List is in no particular order, some are nature sunset spots and some are restaurants, bars or hotels.

Thalassa Sunset

1 – Thalassa Sunset

If you know Goa then you will know Thalassa is probably one of the most famous restaurants we have. The perfect spot for a beautiful sunset that will occur between two points of mainland over the Chapora River. Treat yourself to some delicious Greek food and enjoy the madness of Thalassa with their dance shows, fire breathing, smashing of plates and more – these shows take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tables for sunset will definitely need to be booked well in advance.

Vagator Hill Sunset Tree Pose

2 – Vagator Hill

This is a great spot up the very steep Vagator Hill. You get a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean across Anjuna Beach on the left side and Vagator Beach on the right side. Best to leave cars and scooters parked at the bottom and you can walk up the hill as the roads up are very steep, stony and not the safest. Once up, find yourself a spot to sit down and watch the show. Please take any litter back down with you!

Sinquerim Cliffs

3 – Sinquerim Secret Spot

This is a secret spot that I am not going to give away unfortunately but wanted to add it to the list so you can see it’s beauty. Up high on a clifftop that leads down to a very deserted and not so clean beach is this beautiful spot that gives you an amazing panoramic view. This is one of my new favorites and one that not many other people know. And it’s better it stays that way, sorry!

Badem Hill

4 – Badem Hill

This is a secluded spot up a hill surrounded by bushes with a nice space to put a blanket down and watch the sun do its thing. You can see the beginning of Morjim beach in the distance and the Chapora River to your right and the never ending ocean that spreads out in front of you. This is a very cool spot that actually sees the same view as Thalassa but from a different angle.

The Vaayu View – An Example of an October Sunset

5 – Vaayu

This is one of my favorite spots and where I can usually be found on Sundays. The beach, Mandrem, in front of Vaayu is empty with no beach shacks at all. This means there is lots of open empty space and usually less people. You can choose to wade through the sometimes high river to get on to the beach or you can sit at Vaayu and have a delicious smoothie, cocktail, taco or whatever takes your fancy from their yum menu. They have a special designated sunset spot up a spiral staircase as well as a whole deck on the other side that usually has DJs playing during the season.

Pina Colada at Pousada

6 – Pousada By The Beach

Another famous spot in Goa, is this cute upmarket restaurant set back on Calangute Beach. They serve delicious fresh Goan food, try the seafood, and in my opinion one of the best Pina Coladas in Goa. Sit at a table with your feet in the sand and a beautiful sunset view. They also have two very cute Labradors – Biscuit and Chai.

Calamari Candolim Beach Sunset

7 – Calamari Bathe & Binge

I like this spot on Candolim Beach as it is a bit less crowded than the usual cliff edge restaurants. It is a big beach shack, fancier than the usual ones, with lots of tables out on the beach or under the shade of the restaurant. They do delicious grilled fish, great cocktails and you get front row view to the sunset. And one of my favorite things is you can sit on the actual beach with sand between your toes and the fresh sea air blowing in your hair!

Lady of the Mount Views

8 – Chapel of our Lady of the Mount

This is a beautiful church in Old Goa up a very long hill that I would recommend driving up. You then get to a steep set of stairs which lead to this very old and cute chapel. If the Church is open, please do have a look inside but make sure you are dressed respectfully. Then to your left is a beautiful view over the Mandovi River stretching towards Panjim and beyond. You can see a few of the other churches from above nestled in between the sea of green palm trees.

Nilaya Hermitage

9 – Nilaya Hermitage

This boutique hotel allows people to come up and use the pool for the day and have food and drink. I would suggest using the pool for the day and then staying for sunset. Nilaya is set up high on a hill in Arpora which gives you an amazing view of the stretch from Calangute to Baga Beach from above along with some beautiful green hills ahead. Depending on the time of the year the sun will set behind the hills or in the sea. Either way it is a really beautiful spot that not many people know about.

Chalston Beach Resort

10 – Chalston Beach Resort

This family-run hotel opens right out on to the beach in Calangute. They swap their sunbeds for chairs at golden hour to give you the perfect view. They have a cool sculpture made by Subodh Kerkar, a famous artist in Goa that really helps give you the perfect instagrammable sunset pic! Also, be sure to try the Pina Colada, another one of my absolute favorite places to drink them!

Burger Factory Views

11 -Burger Factory

There are now three Burger Factory restaurants in North Goa but the one with the best view has to be Morjim. Set back on the beach but with no shacks in front of it, this Burger Factory has the perfect sunset view. Get yourself a cocktail or my favorite, the banana peanut butter smoothie and choose from the wide variety of non-veg and veg burgers. This part of the beach doesn’t usually get as busy as others so it should be a nice interrupted sunset view.

Yum

12 – Eva Cafe

This is a very cute cafe set on the sea front down some very tiny and questionable Anjuna roads. If you plan to go here then take a scooter or park your car a bit further away before the roads get really narrow. The cafe is run by an Israeli lady who makes delicious sandwiches, salads and smoothies. It’s a very quiet part of Anjuna and if you go early you can be sure to get the perfect sunset table.

Disclaimer – Please don’t hold it against me if you venture to one of these spots and you don’t get a sunset like the ones pictured above. Sunset chasing is a sport full of risk, you can make all the effort to get to a spot but it might be the day the sky lets you down. But don’t give up, pick yourself up and get back to chasing the very next day!

Moody Sunsets

Here we have a crazy monsoon sunset taken in the month of May!

Let us know if you have any favorite sunset spots I missed?

For More on Goa

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The post The Top 12 Sunset Spots in North Goa first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Top 5 Swimming Pools in Goa

Jules Nazareth — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:45:46 +0000

Are you taking a trip to Goa, but not much of a sea swimmer? Do you prefer a calm pool to the salty sea? Our local Goa expert Jules, has a list of swimming pools you should be sure to take a dip in.

As I am sure you are very much aware, Goa is famous for its beaches. The whole of the western side of Goa is coastline with lots of lovely beaches. However, the seas can be rough and salty-sea-swimming is not for everyone. If you are more of a poolside lounger, do not distress, as Goa is also home to lots of amazing swimming pools. Most belong to hotels and although some may only let guests use them, a lot of pools in Goa are open to day guests at an extra charge. This means you can avoid the high price tag of some 5-star hotels but still benefit from the use of their luxurious pools. This is not something that a lot of tourists know so make the most of this and get to Goa and start pool hopping!

What to Wear?

Ok, so this may sound like a silly question. You are going swimming right, obviously you will be wearing a swimming costume. Well yes, I hope you will be, but note that in India, a large amount of local Indian tourists may not own swimming gear which is why you may see large groups of people swimming fully clothed. This is also because, swimsuits are usually quite revealing and although Goa may be more liberal with their dress code, this is not the case in most other Indian states.

However, it is unlikely to find people swimming fully clothed in swimming pools but more likely in the sea. So just in case you were planning on swimming in your clothes in any of the below pools, please note this is not allowed and you will need to get yourself a swimsuit, bikini or swimming shorts.

Nilaya Hermitage Pool

1. Nilaya Hermitage

I think this may be my favorite pool in Goa. It is not usually that busy as the road to get to it, is not the easiest. It is a very long and steep stretch that I would avoid trying to walk and would only drive if you feel confident. The pool is located in Arpora, a secluded part of Goa and set up high surrounded by lush green and lots of birds. The rooms are all really beautiful, each with a different theme – water, sun, fire, earth and more. However, even if you aren’t staying you can come and use the pool here if you phone in advance to let them know. The pool is pretty deep but has a shallow section at the back with a waterfall flowing from above. The last time I went, it was 600rs for use of the pool, a sun bed and a towel. They also serve some delicious lunch options, so I would suggest going early and staying for the full day, having lunch and ending it with a beautiful long-distance view of the sun setting in the sea.

Check them out here.

One Section of the Grand Hyatt Pool

2. Grand Hyatt

This is the pool of the very fancy 5-star hotel in Bambolim which I think everyone needs to pay a visit to at least once. The grounds of this hotel are really beautiful with plenty of green coconut trees and huge banyans standing tall and strong. The pool is big with a few different pools, a shallow area, jacuzzi fountains, a deeper pool and lots of sun beds surrounding it.

A great option is to go for the Sunday Brunch so you get a huge unlimited buffet beforehand and then the use of the pool is included – priced between 2000rs and 3000rs. This needs to be booked in advance and will of course be busier than other days. Or if you want to skip the buffet then you can pay 800rs to use the pool, borrow a towel and lounge on a sun bed.

Check them out here.

Wildernest Resort

3. Wildernest Nature Resort

I have never actually made it to this pool but it is on my to-go list. I am not 100% sure if you can use it without staying but as it is in such a secluded location, it is unlikely you would be passing by and only there for the day. Located in Chorla, this swimming pool has a breathtaking view over the glorious green Ghats and makes it look as if you are swimming on the edge of a mountain. The rooms are for those who want to be at one with nature and escape the madness that you can sometimes feel in Goa.

Check them out here.

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa

4. Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa

Taj being the large chain of hotels they are, must of course have a cool swimming pool. Though I don’t personally think it is as fancy as The Hyatt, it has a very cool beach-side view with the perfect spot to catch the sunset. I think you are able to go for drinks at The Taj if you aren’t staying but I don’t think you are able to use the pool unless you can prove your room number.

Check them out here.

Alila Diwa

5. Alila Diwa

Another amazing 5-star hotel, except this time located in the quieter area of Majorda in South Goa. Surrounded by the delicious green paddy fields and coconut palms Goa is famous for, this really is the pool from paradise. Depending on the busy-ness of the hotel in the past you have been able to use the pool for the day but you will need to call in advance to book a spot. My favorite part is the sun loungers set in the pool to help you stay cool while getting that perfect tan. As you can expect the room rate is pretty high but if you are able to, I would add this place to the treat-yourself list.

Check them out here.

Rachel Lounging In The Pool at Alila Diwa

Read Rachel’s review about Alila Diwa here from 2015.

Please note, that due to Covid, there may be some additional restrictions to the use of pools in hotels. I would suggest calling beforehand to double check the pool is open and whether they still offer day pool passes.

Let us know what your favorite pool in Goa is!

And be sure to avoid any green pools like this one I always used to see from the window of my gym!! It would get worse and worse as the weeks went on!

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A Quick Guide to Calangute, North Goa

Jules Nazareth — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 17:40:47 +0000

Heading to Calangute in North Goa? Our local Goa expert has written a quick guide full of tips to help with your stay.

I, Jules, would say Calangute is like the London of England or the New York of America. And yes when you actually get to Calangute you may disagree due to what you see but I mean this from the perspective of how famous and well known the area is. When travelling around India, anyone you meet will want to go to Goa whether they are tourists or locals and more often than not the main place they will have heard of is Calangute.

I am from Calangute and this means I live there and half my family originates from there so this will be a positive blog about Calangute. I am sure you can find plenty online about why you should never stay here or visit here because it is too busy and too mad but actually between all the madness, Calangute has its own beauty and does genuinely have a lot to offer! You also wouldn’t travel all the way to London and not visit Leicester Square and you wouldn’t travel all the way to New York and not visit Broadway.

Calangute is also pretty vast. It has a huge span of beach that has very very busy areas that I would only suggest visiting for a short experience of the madness and it also has quiet parts where you can find very cool and empty beach shacks.

I wouldn’t say you should spend all your time in Calangute but have a read of my below suggestions and see if any of it appeals to you!

Calangute Beach on a Glorious Day – Cafe Roma

Where to Stay in Calangute

Villa Alina

A beautiful heritage property built on beach sand, this is an upmarket Villa that is rented out exclusively to one group. Sleeping up to 14, if you have more than 10 people, the high price tag doesn’t feel so much when split between everyone. Boasting a private infinity pool, daily maid service, 24 hour security and breakfast included, you won’t find another property with the same homely feel! Email julia@villaalina.com for more details or check here for more images.

Chalston Beach Resort – Beach Hut

Chalston Beach Resort

This family run hotel is located right on the beach with the most glorious gardens and beach-front restaurant. They have a range of hotel rooms for different budgets as well as some beautiful beach-side cottages. There is a swimming pool for guests and this is definitely one of my favorite sunset spots in Calangute. Book Here.

Le Meridien

A new 5-star hotel that has recently popped up in Calangute and isn’t too expensive. They have some amazing room options and a great pool for guests use. They offer a large spread for Sunday brunch and are connected to Noemi’s Spa which is a 1 minute walk from the entrance to the hotel. Book Here.

The Park

Part of the well known chain, also located in Calcutta, this hotel is built right on the beach. Known for its fancy decor and cool rooms, you will not be disappointed but it comes with a higher price tag. They also have a lovely rooftop bar with the perfect sunset view. Book Here.

Andores

This is a cute resort tucked away down side roads and a short walk from the beach. They have their own pool alongside a private gym and spa. The rooms are big and help you feel like you have your own little Villa. And to top it all off they have a delicious restaurant onsite serving amazing authentic Italian food. Book Here.

Where to Eat in Calangute

Goa is full of amazing restaurants popping up all over both North and South and Calangute definitely does not let the side down.

A Reverie – Fine Dining

A Reverie

This is probably my favorite restaurant in Goa for a special occasion or if you’re feeling fancy and you feel like treating yourself. The menu is amazing and will blow your mind with all the little added details and flavors. The decor of the place makes you feel like you are in a 5-star and if you end up leaving without having taken a photo of your food, you deserve a medal. A bit more on the expensive side but a must try! See More.

Infantaria

A very traditional place that you must visit for delicious traditional snacks. Since I was young we have always got our samosas, beef croquettes, chutney sandwiches, veg puffs and beef chops from here. There is a small counter to the right of the restaurant selling all of these and more but make sure you visit earlier rather than later as they always sell out. See more.

Navtara Thali

Navtara

Head over to Navtara for the most delicious North Indian veg food as well as a few Goan options too. They do everything from crispy dosas to xacuti to paneer chilli to pizza to thalis to chole, puris and parathas. My favorite is the Palak or Schezwan Dosa with extra coconut chutney!

Pousada By The Beach

This is a famous spot in North Goa with lots of celebrities coming to taste the authentic Goan dishes in their peaceful beach side shack. The menu has a lot of traditional Goan dishes to offer and the owners, Neville and Josh are very passionate about Goa and what they do. A little on the expensive side but worth the visit even just for a Pina Colada and the Serradurra. See more.

Zwe By Golden Eye – Tea Leaf Salad

Zwe By Golden Eye

This is a new addition to Calangute and I am so happy it has opened. A Burmese restaurant selling some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted and just a 1 minute walk from the beach. Make sure you try the tea leaf salad, crispy beef, bamboo shoots and the famous Khao Suey. See more.

Pina Coladas at Chalston Beach Resort

Chalston Beach Resort

Their restaurant is right on the beach front with a great sunset view. On some evenings they have live entertainment and the food is great. Try some of the fresh fish from the tandoor as well as the prawn papad, crispy garlic mushrooms and my favorite – The Pina Colada! They also have a pool table and a table tennis table. See more.

Roboto – Tantamen Ramen

Roboto

Another newbie on the scene, this amazing Japanese restaurant opened and has survived through the pandemic. They have amazing cocktail options, delicious mains and some of the best ramen I have ever tasted. If you are looking for Asian food, go here! See more.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This famous chain has now opened its doors in Calangute. The original is in Panjim and is a well known brand. They have delicious fresh fish cooked all ways so if you are looking for fresh seafood like many who come to Goa then don’t miss this place. See more.

Nirvana

This place has been closed for a bit due to the pandemic but I would like to include it anyway for when it decides to open its doors. Usually buzzing and full to the brim, this is a common hangout for the Brits, Russians and Europeans. Their menu is vast and anything coming from the tandoor is amazing. They also do the best pies – fish, steak and kidney, veg – as well as a traditional roast on a Sunday.

What to Do in Calangute

Calangute Sunset at Aggie’s Cafe

Beach Shack Hopping

Calangute Beach is a long beach that sits in between Candolim and Baga. It isn’t that clear when one becomes the next but it is a long stretch of beach. And along the Calangute stretch you can find some very quiet beach shacks and you can also find some very busy ones that will be rammed with people dancing, singing and looking like they are drinking beer for the first time! (Remember alcohol is not so common in other parts of India!). It really depends what you are looking for but Calangute does have it all.

Paneer Chilli and Crispy Calamari – Cafe Roma

My favorite beach shack, and one I have been going to since I was born is Cafe Roma. Here you will find some peace and quiet but still with a bit of atmosphere and some really tasty beach shack food. Try the fries, tuna salad, crispy fried calamari, prawn fried rice and the traditional fish curry rice. If you do pop by, say hello to Anthony and say Jules sent you. Just nextdoor is Aggie’s Cafe, another childhood shack that has a bit more of a louder atmosphere with great fresh fish and a delicious BBQ option that can be sorted in advance. If you do go here make sure you have the famous Aggie’s Mojito to complement a famous Calangute sunset! And say hello to Aggie too!

Sunset Mojito at Aggie’s Cafe

Other shacks to try – Jukebox, Flying Dolphin, Pine Tree, Pedro’s, Rovers Return.

Party on Tito’s Lane

This is one of the main reasons why a lot of people come to Calangute and although the lane is actually in Baga I will mention it in this blog. Tito’s Lane is a famous lane with the very famous Tito’s Club at the far end. You will see their branding painted everywhere all over Goa. This lane is full of different bars and clubs and is a bit like the party strip you find in most party towns abroad. Think neon lights, people trying to get you in with free drinks and lots of loud music. If you are looking for a fun cheesy and very late night out then make your way to the lane. If you are girls out travelling solo, just keep your wits about you as it can get busy and very male centred too.

Head to Cape Town, Cocktails & Dreams and Tito’s

And if you are looking for a more sophisticated night out then head to Favela or Cavala.

Sparaddise

Spa Visits – Sparaddise, Snip Salon & Spa, Neomi’s

Treat yourself to a spa visit at one of these three tried, tested and trusted spas. All spread around Calangute they offer amazing massages, pedicures, haircuts, waxing and all the pampering you may need.

Visit a Calangute Church

St Alex Church

There are quite a few churches in Calangute but the most famous and iconic is St Alex Church which is just behind the dolphin circle at the end of the road you would use to enter Calangute from Panjim. This lovely white church stands tall and has a beautiful interior and a lovely cemetery. My Grandparents got married here and my Great-Grandparent’s gravestone can be found at the front by the entrance. You are allowed to join a mass if you are religious but please dress appropriately when entering the church.

I hope this gave you more than a few reasons to visit Calangute. If you do head this way, let me know what your favorite tips were!

Chulo at Calangute Beach

For More on Goa

More Beaches & Stays in Goa

For More tips on India

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The post A Quick Guide to Calangute, North Goa appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

A Cool Staycation at Olaulim Backyards

Jules Nazareth — Thu, 20 May 2021 16:16:56 +0000

Looking for a cute place to stay in Goa? Our local Goa expert, Jules, recently stayed at the very cool Olaulim Backyards in North Goa. Here’s what to expect if you want to stay.

And in case you missed it, don’t forget to read about the first and second staycation at the very unique and cute Wigwam and Casa Jaali.

Jules has started this Staycation Series to bring some love to businesses around the state. She’ll be taking some staycations in both North and South Goa to highlight the cool, quirky, and sometimes slightly secret options Goa is lucky to have.

I am attempting to keep the beauty and excitement of travel alive whilst still realising the danger of it during the Covid-19 Pandemic. There are different rules all over the world to do with travel restrictions and all countries and places should be checked before you decide to travel, if you do. India has banned all International flights since March 2020 which is a big (and unfortunately necessary) blow for a lot of businesses who depend on foreign tourism.

Here in Goa, life is slowly trying to get back to ‘normal’ as businesses and people try to make the most of the monsoon season and reach out to the main crowd of domestic tourists. I want to help people realise the importance of supporting your local communities, businesses, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and boutiques during this difficult time. This doesn’t mean you need to travel far and wide to find them, they could be on your doorstep, down the road or a little drive away.

** Please note that all staycations should be taken responsibly. Wear your mask, sanitise your hands, and don’t go if you are feeling unwell.

Checking into Olaulim Backyards: A Jungle Paradise

Olaulim Backyards, a jungle paradise, has been up and running for over 10 years now. It is run by the most lovely couple, Pirkko from Finland and Savio from Goa. Their passion for the place, the sleepy village of Olaulim and their crazy animals (more on this later) is apparent as soon as you step on to the property. It literally is a hidden gem in North Goa with no signboard outside just a strange ‘Beware’ sign on the gate that will help you know you have arrived at your destination.

Rachel loved this place and it was one of the first places she wrote about when starting her blog. Both Savio and Pirkko knew Rachel and Ben very well, even giving them their famous cat, Kitkat!

Olaulim, is in what I would like to call the ‘country side’ of Goa. It’s on the opposite side of the highway to the beach and is a very green and tranquil village with not much going on at all. There are no nightclubs, no supermarkets, no late night bars and very few restaurants. This part of Goa is not meant for the typical party Goa tourist but for the tourist or resident who loves nature, enjoys peace and quiet and is in need of actual R&R. Olaulim Backyards is the perfect place for this. With only 5 rooms available on the very large property, they have chosen quality over quantity. Each room is different and is named after a different type of bird species which can be spotted on their property if you are lucky. All rooms are large wooden huts with outdoor bathrooms and the option of doubles, triples or quadruples. Two rooms are located at the same level as the bar and dining area and 3 are located a bit further up at the back of the property up some steep steps. Myself and my friend Nishtha, stayed in one of these which had a beautiful view of the glorious green jungle below. Don’t expect a 5 star luxury stay, expect nature and comfort and homely feels. Rooms don’t have air conditioning, but the fan was very sufficient when I stayed in the hot month of April.

It is open throughout the year usually with a few weeks or a month of closure for maintenance or a break. Choosing to stay during monsoon amongst the non-stop rains and luscious green grass would most definitely be amazing!

Gloriously Green Balcony

When you first enter the property you will see their very beautiful and very blue swimming pool neatly placed under the palms and between their dining area, chill area and the backwater in front of their property. You will then also realise why they have a sign telling you to ‘Beware Dog/Donkey’ as their resident Donkey, Mantra, is likely to be grazing by the bar or taking a little drink from the pool. You genuinely should be a little bit aware of the donkey as he has been known to be interested in humans and want to give them a little love bite. They also have a beautiful shiny brown horse, a goat and 4 or 5 dogs.

Nishtha and Mantra.

Behind the pool is the backwaters which separates Olaulim Backyards from the fields and neighbours across the way. When sitting in the pool the silence of the place is pretty unbelievable especially when you live on the other side of the highway in the thick of it, like me!

Food

Breakfast is included in your room rate and is served in the cute dining area by the pool. They have communal benches where everyone can mingle and serve themselves some of the homegrown fruit, homemade juices and delicious eggs they have to offer. The pineapple, jamun, melon, papaya, guava and mangos are all grown on the property and the freshly made cashew fruit and bimbli juice I tasted, were delicious.

Breakfast Is Served

They have a honesty bar just near the pool which is stocked with beer, wine and most spirits. You can write down what you drank and pay for it later. If there is a specific drink you want then you can let them know and they will source it for you. In the months of April and May they may have some delicious Urrak which is served with Limca, salt and chilli. A delicacy in Goa!

Taverna Hama Hama

For lunch and dinner they have a new addition which is the Backyard Cafe by Nikita. This is located just between the main entrance of Olaulim Backyards and the little gate you use to enter. I had the most delicious iced coffee and a very refreshing kokum spritzer. The mushroom burger was amazing and the specials – falafel with pesto hummus – change weekly. The cafe is for anyone and not just guests at Olaulim Backyards so you will be likely to see lots of residents who live locally popping by.

Backyard Cafe By Nikita

Activities

There are lots of options for cool activities here. Things you don’t usually get to do living or staying in Goa.

Kayaking

I think the most exciting activity is the kayaking which can be done on the backwaters behind the property. It is a large body of water which goes around the property and into a nice big open space. There are a few fishermen with fishing nets so these need to be avoided but the views and the peace and quiet are amazing. You can kayak and see both sunrise and sunset which are the best times to beat the heat. For sunrise we were out in the kayak by 6:30am ready to see the big pink ball of fire in the sky. It is definitely the most beautiful and satisfying way to start the day, though you may need a little nap afterwards like me. They also have a rowing boat and a surfboard that can be used as a paddle board.

Ready For A Sunrise Kayak

Swimming

You can swim both in the pool and the lake. I would say lake swimming is for adventurous people unlike myself who is terrified if anything touches my leg. However, for others it may be the refreshing dip you have been waiting for. My sunrise kayak session meant the water in the lake was hot, like really hot, and could have easily been a jacuzzi if bubbles were added! The pool was the cool off that was most definitely needed in the heat of April.

Sunset By The Pool

Bike Rental

They have quite a few bicycles available for guests to take out and explore the local village. It is definitely worth taking one out and riding to the neighbouring villages of Aldona and Nachinola to see their local churches, beautiful houses and sleepy streets.

Village Walk

Pirkko, who honestly knows everything about all the plants, flowers and area surrounding Olaulim Backyards, if available can take you on a very cute walk around the village and neighbouring houses. Along the way there are beautiful flowers, lots of vegetables being harvested and dried out in the sun (see chillies below) and the views and experience of proper Goan village life. All the neighbours know Pirkko and Savio and it is very obvious they are all very fond of them and what they done with Olaulim Backyards.

Village Chillies

Chill and Chat

Take some time to chill. Take a seat on the swing, the sunbeds or the lounging chairs and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet. Read a book, play some of the board games and if you feel in the mood for it, meet the other guests. With only 5 rooms, this place can be as intimate or secluded as you want it to be. The communal bar and dining area is perfect for getting to know the stories of other guests and the very interesting story of Pirkko and Savio and their journey to where they are now. I am still amazed and very jealous to know, Pirkko speaks 10 languages and Savio speaks 5!

The Chill Area

How to Book

You won’t find Olaulim Backyards on any third party sites and so the best place to book is directly through their website which can be found here.

Also check out their instagram @olaulimbackyards which has more pictures and updates of their jungle life!

Tips

Take extra mosquito spray and be prepared for the annoying creatures to come out at dusk and dawn – best to keep your room doors shut when possible.
Don’t stay here if you are scared of nature and wildlife. You don’t have to be a huge fan, I am a born and bred city girl, but you need to be accepting of frogs in the bathroom, an occasional spider and a few noises out in the wild at night time.
Speak to Savio and Pirkko about their lives, about the village, their kids and about the future of Goa. They really make the homestay feel like home!
Get up for sunrise! It is difficult but it is so so rewarding!

A Rest After A Sunrise Kayak

The post A Cool Staycation at Olaulim Backyards first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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COVID-19 Charities to Help India’s Second Wave

Jules Nazareth — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:01:22 +0000

Hello, Jules here writing from a locked down Goa, India – 29/04/2021

India’s Second Wave Battle with COVID-19

I am sure most of you are aware of the second wave of Covid ripping through Mother India right now. The sudden increase in cases, hospitalisations and deaths is horrific. The scramble for beds, oxygen tanks, food and space to cremate family members is being documented all over the world. India really is in a bad way and could use any help it can get.

If you have ever been to India and loved it, if you have felt a special connection to India over your lifetime, if you regularly buy products exported from India, enjoy Indian food, have a trip to India planned for the future or just have the capacity to help then please have a read below for a few charities I have been following, to see if you are able to make a donation towards the different causes all specific to helping during these Covid times.

There are options below for donations in INR, GBP, USD as well as other currencies.

How Can You Help?

Hemkunt Foundation

Hemkunt Foundation is a non-governmental organization that aims to provide humanitarian aid to marginalized sections of society. They have many ongoing projects but as Covid has taken over as the need of the hour they are focusing on oxygen cylinder relief for Covid positive patients in Delhi. They have created a 24-hour oxygen drive through in Gurgaon, where positive patients can come to use a bed and use an oxygen cylinder for free. Their makeshift ward is all outdoors with air coolers to help with the 40 degrees/101 fahrenheit temperatures. They have been given vehicles to use by Mahindra and they are always on the look out for more cylinders. Their amazing team of volunteers are welcoming people all through the day and night, risking their lives through the exposure to patients who are all positive. Patients have the use of outdoor portable toilets as well as simple meals. To donate to this amazing NGO, you will need to pay from an Indian bank account. They can be donated to in the following ways:

Gpay – 9811097124

Paytm – 8448501113

UPI – hemkuntfoundation13@okhdfcbank

If you require a 80G donation receipt then please send an email to hemkuntfoundation13@gmail.com

Read more about their Oxygen Cylinder Relief here.

Follow all their hard work on Instagram @hemkunt_foundation

Khaana Chahiye Feeding the Hungry in Mumbai

Khaana Chahiye

Translated to ‘Want food?’ – this is an initiative set up to battle hunger throughout the cities of Mumbai and Thane. As Covid rips families apart and forces most to stop their daily work, many families are going hungry day in and day out. With Khaana Chahiye you can ‘report hunger’ and these volunteers will do their best to deliver meals as well as grocery kits and essential items. Many migrant labourers are stranded in cities that aren’t their hometowns away from family and resources with no way of getting home. As of 29^th April 2021 they have served over 4.6 million meals and delivered 20 thousand grocery kits. They have created a hunger map of Mumbai with their 200+ volunteers. Use the following link to find their GiveIndia fundraising page where you have to create an account to make a donation. Pick your home country location, if in India you can pay with Gpay, UPI and netbanking and if outside of India you can make a donation using an international credit or debit card.

Donate Here.

Give India

Give India is a crowdfunding platform with a vast range of different fundraisers. There is a special section for Covid with different missions that include boosting oxygen supply, donating food to families struggling with hunger, cash support for families of Covid deceased, helping patients get to hospital and not fight Covid at home, donating reusable sanitary napkins kits and more.

Please have a read through their site and pick which mission you want to contribute to. An international card is required.

Donate Here.

Follow them on Instagram @give_india

Disasters Emergency Committee

DEC is a charity based in the UK which acts as a platform to bring together 14 leading charities to help raise funds quickly and efficiently for disasters overseas. The Covid crisis in India has taken precedence and they are working hard to provide medical supplies, treatment facilities and logistics to help support overwhelmed health services. DEC had originally chosen 8 struggling countries to focus on, however new donations are being prioritized for the crisis in India.

Donate Here.

Follow them on Instagram @disastersemergencycommittee

The British Asian Trust

This group based in the UK are gathering funds to get as many ‘oxygen concentrators’ to hospitals as possible. These are an alternative to oxygen cylinders which only have a finite supply of oxygen in them. A concentrator works towards continually recycling oxygen from the air and delivering it to the patient. A JustGiving page has been set up where all donations can be made.

Donate Here.

Follow them on Instagram @thebritishasiantrust

AIF – American India Foundation

This foundation was set up to help bridge the gap between America and India and the need for financial support for the poorer communities of India. This is now phase 2 of the AIF Covid -19 response and you are able to donate in USD or INR. AIF is working with local governments, local hospitals and stakeholders to understand the requirements and needs in cities and rural villages.

Donate Here.

Follow them on Instagram @aifoundation

If you don’t have the capacity to donate, don’t stress, but feel free to share the blog with others. And if you have any of your own favorite charities that are doing their bit for the Covid struggle in India, please do mention them in the comments sections.

Thank you.

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A Cute Staycation at Casa Jaali, South Goa

Jules Nazareth — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:35:55 +0000

Looking for a cute place to stay in Goa? Our local Goa expert, Jules, recently stayed at the very sweet Casa Jaali in South Goa, Patnem. Here’s what to expect if you want to stay!

And in case you missed it, don’t forget to read about the first staycation at the very unique and cool Wigwam in Mandrem, North Goa.

Don’t forget to check out our Insider’s Guide to Goa

Here in Goa life is slowly carrying on as businesses and people try to make the most of what’s left of the tourist season (November – April) and reach out to the main crowd of domestic tourists. I want to help people realise the importance of supporting your local communities, businesses, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and boutiques during this difficult time. This doesn’t mean you need to travel far and wide to find them, they could be on your doorstep, down the road or a little drive away.

** Please note that all staycations should be taken responsibly. Wear your mask, sanitise your hands, and don’t go if you are feeling unwell.

Checking into Casa Jaali: A Dream by the Sea

This is my second staycation in Goa and this beautiful gem of a place definitely did not disappoint. I made the 2 and a half hour journey from my home in Arpora with my lovely friend Saffron along the cutest village roads to the very blissful and tranquil Patnem Beach in the South of Goa. Casa Jaali is not directly on the main Patnem Beach but is set on a piece of land that juts out adjacent to Patnem Beach and essentially creates the divide between Patnem and the neighboring Colomb Beach.

Casa Jaali only very recently opened their lovely doors to guests in the middle of January 2021, yep even during this pandemic, and I am so glad they did. It is run by two lovely women – Kate from South Africa and LJ from England – friends who have lived in India for over 10 years. This is the sequel to their already flourishing Jaali Cafe which is set on the road behind Patnem Beach. Jaali Cafe has been open since 2015 and after my discovery of it only in 2019, is now my favourite place to eat in the South. This left me with nothing but great expectations for Casa Jaali and I was not disappointed.

The rooms at Casa Jaali are some of the cutest and cosiest rooms I have stayed in and this doesn’t mean they are small this means they are homely and inviting with the kind of duvets on the very comfortable beds that make you want to curl up into a ball and miss breakfast (definitely don’t miss breakfast, it’s great!). All the room interiors have been specially designed with all the curtains, bedding, quilts, towels picked out and created to match their colour scheme of pink and green. They have 4 Non-AC rooms which were very comfortable and cool for my stay mid February, 3 AC rooms and a very cute Cottage with 2 bedrooms and a sofa bed sleeping up to 6 people. All rooms are en-suite (except in the cottage) and they are working towards adding AC into every room by the end of March 2021.

Breakfast Is Included at Casa Jaali

Parking is a little bit tough as it is down a small beach road. If you are arriving in a car do contact them beforehand so they can let you know where their designated parking spots are. The staff will be happy to help with your luggage on the short walk to your room. On arrival you will need to walk across a cute wooden walkway which leads to the unbelievably beautiful spot that is Casa Jaali. First is the Cafe which serves a delicious breakfast that is included in your stay. Their options include Chai or an Americano, Granola or Eggs and a delicious cup of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. The rooms all face towards the sea and give a great view of Patnem Beach from a distance. They have also placed a few very cute bamboo benches along the front giving you the perfect spot to write your diary, have that (un)necessary business call or just stare out into the sea and get lost.

Food

Casa Jaali Restaurant

Prawn Tacos and Cauliflower Tahini Tacos

The Cafe at Casa Jaali has a special Early menu for breakfast and a taco menu for dinner (for both guests and non-guests) with some delicious cocktails on offer – The Passionfruit Margarita and Prawn Tacos come highly recommended. They also have a smaller menu you can pre-order from for dinner which needs to be done before 6pm. And if you feel like taking a short walk (which I can’t recommend enough) to Jaali Cafe then you can order from their very extensive lunch and dinner menu. Guests of Casa Jaali get 10% off their bill but make sure you let the waiter know before ordering. Also note Jaali Cafe is closed on Wednesdays and on Thursdays they have their weekly party night with a DJ and a dance floor! My favourite dishes include the Tahini Cauliflower, the Squid and whatever amazing brownie they have on offer – Chilli Jam stole the show for me!

Spicy Peanut Noodles and a Bacon Cheese Panini – Yum!

If you want to try a few different places to eat they have lots of beach shacks a few minutes walk from Casa Jaali that have tables on the beach with candlelit dinners and the option of fresh fish. Zest, Cow Corner, Home, Ourem88 and The Mill are also all good spots to try out, some are walking distance and a few a rickshaw ride away.

Activities

A Glorious Sunrise

The cherry on top for me was the possibility of being able to see the sunrise a few footsteps away from your room. I always feel a sunrise is worth a little bit more than a sunset because you usually have to go to a little bit more effort to watch one. This usually means getting yourself up and out of bed literally before the crack of dawn. However, in February the sunrise was at 6:56am so waking up at 6:45 and watching a sunrise in my pyjamas from the cute bamboo bench felt magical. I then crawled back into my comfortable quilt and snoozed for a little longer. Definitely, the easiest yet equally beautiful sunrise I have ever seen.

Kayaks can be rented from Patnem Beach to take out to sea on a little adventure. I think the best time to go would be morning or pre-sunset to try and beat the heat of the day. The waves are usually pretty calm but be ready to capsize whilst on your way out of the sea and back to shore – I have seen this (and laughed) many times but it is definitely worth it for the views and experience.

The best sunset viewing spot is from Patnem Beach so take a seat at one the beach shacks, get yourself a cocktail and watch the great big ball of fire work its magic.

Empty, Silky Sands of Patnem Beach

Patnem Beach is pretty small on the whole so a beach walk wouldn’t last too long but if the tide is out you can go around the rocks on the Southern end of the beach and walk to Rajbaga Beach which is completely empty of shacks with nice white, silky sand.

How to Book

Casa Jaali is open from September until mid May so get your booking in while you can. You can book here or also on their website and definitely check out their instagram @casa.jaali for more pictures and information. If you do make this trip, make sure you mention you heard about them from Jules!

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A Guide to Ashwem and Mandrem Beach in Goa

Jules Nazareth — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:00:41 +0000

Visiting Ashwem and Mandrem Beach in Goa, India? Here’s all you need to know!

Hello, Jules here, your local Goa expert hoping to give you all the gossip on places to visit, stay, eat and most importantly, where to chase sunsets. Here is the perfect guide to Ashwem and Mandrem Beach which is one of my favourite parts of North Goa. You will find me at one of these two beaches every Sunday in season time (October – April).

Ashwem Beach leads on to Mandrem Beach, it is not clear which part this changeover happens at exactly but this is a large stretch of beach in the North that begins with Morjim and leads on to Ashwem, Mandrem and then Arambol. You could actually do a very long walk along all 4 of these beaches if you wished, but be prepared for at least a couple of hours of walking.

I am going to write about Ashwem and Mandrem in this guide as these are my favorites of the four and are the two which I think have the most to offer.

The Beaches

Ashwem Beach

Ashwem Beach is the beach you will pass first, of the two we talk about in this guide, when coming from the airport up North. It is a pretty beach with lovely palm trees lining the back and lots of happening beach shacks with sun beds and good food. Sadly, a lot of rocks have come up this season due to sand erosion so it is not as beautiful as it once was but it still beats a lot of the beaches before it.

You won’t be bombarded with loud shack music though you may be asked several times if you would like a foot massage or whether you want to buy a lungi (sarong). When I spend the day on this beach I always end up going home with 2 more beautiful lungis I did not need! But these ladies are very nice and will appreciate any business you can give them.

I come to this beach when I want a sun bed, a calm sea, some quiet and the best fruit salad around – (Change Your Mind beach shack):

Always ask for yoghurt and coconut on top!

Mandrem Beach

Mandrem Beach is my favourite beach in North Goa as it is much emptier than the rest and doesn’t have many beach shacks at all due to it being a turtle nesting site. This means shacks and sun beds aren’t actually allowed and you will need to bring your own towel/beach mat and umbrella if you have one. This is not for everybody but if you are looking for more peace and quiet and are fine without the option of ordering food and drinks on the beach then head this way.

Mandrem River Crossing

There are a few shacks which can be found along Mandrem but it is mainly empty and these are the best spots to set up for the day. This requires a bit of walking along as there isn’t that much access via road. The way I usually get to Mandrem Beach involves the crossing of a river which, depending on the tide, can mean carrying your belongings up high over your head and avoiding the sneaky sharp rocks which can be found below. This adds to the adventure and is probably also a reason why it is quieter than others during the day. I also find the sand on Mandrem Beach that little bit finer, silkier and whiter!

As mentioned above there isn’t a clear indication of where Ashwem becomes Mandrem Beach so a lot of the options on where to stay and eat are all in a similar vicinity but some may be more Ashwem Side and others more Mandrem side. So this is how I will categorise them below.

Where to Stay

Ashwem Side

Leela Cottages

Very cute cottages set back a little bit from the beach with their own private sun beds up on a grassy patch just a few steps up from the beach. Book here

Palm Grove Resort

Palm Grove

Beautiful stone huts set back behind the Palm Grove restaurant that is directly on the beach. These are a bit more upmarket and usually get booked up pretty quickly. Book here

Babu Huts

Simple beach huts with a nice beach front restaurant. These are more traditional beach shack style and not as fancy as their neighbours but still very cute. Book here

Anahata Beach Resort

Anahata Retreat

These are some of my favourite huts with a very cool restaurant on the beach and their own sun beds. They also have a yoga deck and a nice upper deck perfect for a Pina Colada at sunset. Book here

Mandrem Side

Vaayu

This is a very cool place to stay with nice concrete rooms, a river-facing hut or the option of the Vaayu Villa too. They have a great cafe – Prana Cafe – serving delicious food, smoothies and cocktails as well as different activities on offer such as paddle boarding, surfing, a weekly farmers market and other events. A morning paddle board on the river in front of Vaayu is definitely a beautiful way to wake up! Book here

Elsewhere and Chulo

Elsewhere

This secret but also not-so-secret spot is hard to come by as they are usually fully booked and you can see why when you see the pictures. These are beautiful Portuguese houses situated on the beach among the palm trees with nothing else in front to block the view of the sea and the sunset. If you get a chance to stay here, please do! Book here

Jamboree Creek

These are very cute wooden huts all with different and amazing outdoor bathrooms. Situated behind the river there is a nice sized swimming pool, very cute lounge chairs perfect for a day of reading and a very cool cafe serving delicious and simple food. Book here

Lazy Dog – The White Sand of Mandrem Beach

Beach Street

This is part of Lazy Dog which is a great restaurant on the beach over a rickety wooden bridge. They have lots of wooden beach hut options with yoga classes, a swimming pool and lots of sun beds. Book here

Wigwam

This is not on the beach but located inland, sort of on Mandrem Side but also coming towards Arambol. These are amazing tipis situated in a very green garden with the loveliest outdoor bathrooms. If you are looking for somewhere unique and different to stay, choose Wigwam. You can then borrow the Wigwam bicycles to take the short ride to the beach! Book here

Riva Resort

This is a lovely beach resort with its own access to the beach over another ricketty wooden bridge. They have fun reggae parties on a Sunday here and they have a pool and large grounds with different room options. Book here

Dunes

These are wooden beach huts set back from the beach behind the Dunes restaurant serving typical beach shack food. They have different options for yoga classes and also host retreats here too. Book here

Where to Eat

Ashwem Side

If you are looking for the beach shack scene then try Gopal’s, Change Your Mind, Silver Sands or Babu Huts. These all have sun beds and a wide range of options for food including great seafood.

Goa 108

On the main road, so not beach-side, there is La Cucina for some great Italian and one of my favourites – Goa 108. They have a very cute rooftop bar, usually with some live music happening and an amazing menu offering some delicious options.

La Plage

If you want to sit at a beach front restaurant or more upscale beach shack then try Anahata’s restaurant – L’Atelier, Palm Grove and of course the very famous La Plage.

Wasabi Tuna at La Plage – My favorite of all time!

Mandrem Side

Head to Prana for some delicious smoothie bowls, tacos, salads and cocktails, not located directly on the beach but all with a sea view. Verandah is on the main road and has a special Gin bar serving delicious Gin cocktails and great pizza. Jamboree Creek has it’s own in-house cute cafe and Dunes is one of the few beach shacks on the beach facing the sea just near Lazy Dog. Lazy Dog have their own pool and restaurant set a bit back from the beach but still with an uninterrupted view.

What to Do

Both these areas are predominantly beach based which means there isn’t really that much to do except the expected beach activities. These include lying on your sun bed for the whole day with a coconut in hand (easier to do in Ashwem at a beach shack), reading a book and watching the world go by. If this doesn’t float your boat then you can try some surf lessons at Vaayu (Mandrem) or even just rent a board from them if you already know what you are doing.

Paddle Boarding along the river in Mandrem or out at sea if the waves allow it, is also a favourite activity of mine (that I don’t do enough!). The peacefulness of the river is really beautiful. These paddle boards can also be rented from Vaayu.

Take a nice long beach walk and explore the whole of Ashwem and Mandrem on foot. It is a lovely long stretch of beach with beautiful palms and silky sand.

Explore some of the shops on the main road in Ashwem for some cool clothes and jewellery as well as the little market, Vibrant Marche’ Des Createurs which is just behind La Plage and has lots of cool brands and shops all in one place.

Go for a swim in what is usually the pretty relaxing waters of Ashwem and Mandrem. The sea is a lot calmer here than the beaches found a bit further South in Calangute, Candolim and Vagator.

Mandrem Beach Sunset

I hope this post helps you find your around Ashwem and Mandrem. I am sure you will love these beaches as much as I do!

For More on Goa

For More on India

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The Future of Hippie in Heels

Rachel Jones — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:35:28 +0000

We continue to mourn & heal as we wrestle with Rachel’s passing.

In May, we tragically announced that Rachel Jones, beloved child, fiancé, sister, friend & travel blogger, had unexpectedly passed away. We’d like to share a bit more about her passing and the future of her much loved Hippie in Heels.

Her passing

As with anyone who is in the public eye, we understand there’s been some discussion on the cause of Rachel’s passing and we’d like to dispel any rumors.

The medical examiner diagnosed Rachel’s cause of death as a heart disease known as chronic myocarditis, which resulted in a sudden heart attack. We now understand that her condition had been undiagnosed and therefore untreated, but likely developed from multiple infections and viruses over the years.

It is a hard journey, but we are not dwelling on the ‘what-ifs’ of Rachel’s passing. Instead we are mourning love lost, the future that could have been, and reminiscing on joyful memories of her adventures and how she touched our lives.

As we all create a new normal with Rachel in our thoughts, we encourage everyone in need to please speak with friends, counselors, and loved ones to ensure you are supported as you grieve.

**What can we expect with Hippie in Heels this summer?**

It has taken some time to focus, but we have turned our energies to the blog and uncovered several posts Rachel had written and was preparing to post for Hippie in Heels. They are on a mix of topics from her personal tales and AMAs to packing tips, travel advice, and even one last India post and a very detailed guide about her experience becoming an expat in Mexico. In memory of her we will be posting them in the coming months unedited, her final words illuminating her experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

These posts may be challenging to read, but we want to honor the effort that Rachel made and the stories she wanted to tell. We appreciate you reading her words with us.

**What is the long term vision for Hippie in Heels?**

Ben, Sam, Travis & Rachel’s parents are exploring options to keep the blog going in Rachel’s memory. This is a significant challenge as Hippie in Heels’ authenticity came from Rachel, her thoughts, her feelings, her opinions, and her happiness from the life she shared with Ben, Omni, Shanti, & KitKat – and no amount of creativity and effort can recreate her uniqueness. We want to keep her fearless spirit and love of travel alive, and we hope Hippie in Heels will continue to inspire and support travelers around the world as they plan their next adventure.

Please keep us in your thoughts as we consider the next steps for Hippie in Heels.

Ben, Travis, Sam, and Rachel’s parents

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Playing Castaway in the Gulf of Chiriqui on a Paradise Hidden Eco-Resort

Rachel Jones — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:12:42 +0000

One of the top experiences people recommend in Panama is going to the Gulf of Chiriqui to see whale mamas and babies migrate past out in the Pacific ocean. If you are wondering where to stay in the Gulf of Chiriqui, look no further than Isla Palenque. As a blogger, I have the “job” of staying at some of the best hotels in the world and this is officially at the top of the list!

We loved playing a little bit of castaway on this 400-acre island that had just about 20 people on it. It was so quiet, so full of stars, sounds of monkeys, thick jungle, amazing, food like buttery lobster, beautifully decorated villas and a stunning infinity pool – with SUP, kayaking, and more… I loved it here!

Whale Watching in Gulf of Chiriqui and Isla Palenque Review

Where to Stay Gulf of Chiriqui

The jungle huts are amazing. The decoration was done so well. I loved the huge beds, the macrame behind them, the ceiling fans, the high roofs, porch swing, outdoor showers and really all of it – plus it was just a one minute walk to the beach. We could see the sea from our room, just outside. All the rooms are spaced apart, so you don’t see/hear anyone else. It’s just you and the jungle!

As you can see, the rooms are stunning. The attention to detail is great and it had all the luxe things like hot water, WiFi, and iPad in the room, turn-down service, stocked mini-fridge and more. Even though you are on a secluded island, you still have all your at-home luxuries.

There are tons of activities and tours on the island which are included FREE. That means kayaking, SUP, bird-watching tours, secrets of the island tours, going to lagoons, seeing snakes, monkeys, and more – and there are paid-for tours, like whale-watching and anything off-island but they are affordable. Whale-watching is the most popular and is $70 per person.

You can schedule activities all day and night if you want, or you can take some me-time to go out to the sea on your own or hang by the pool where you can get snacks and drinks, all included in your room rate, of course!

I am partial to pools like this made with that amazing concrete that makes the water look so blue (they do this in Goa and Mexico, too!)

Your lazy days can revolve around food, at least that’s how my brain works. Each meal has a choice of starter, main, and dessert but you can have one of each and they encourage you trying it all. I can’t say no to that!

Everything is made fresh and from local people in the area on Boca Chica. We loved our stay here so much and it’s a place I know I’ll be back, hopefully, one day with Ben. We let Isla Palenque arrange our transport since it was only $70 for the car each way from David Airport (split between you and your travel buddies). You can book Isla Palenque here.

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How Living in Goa for 5 Years Has Changed Me

Rachel Jones — Wed, 23 May 2018 13:28:30 +0000

The last time I went to the US, in February, was to renew my visa after my 5-year visa expired. It’s hard to believe I moved to Goa that long ago, and have been in India overall (as a traveler) since 2012. As you might have seen, I am leaving India and moving to Mexico! But I’ve been reflecting a lot on my time in Goa, what I’ve learned living here, and how I’ve changed for the better.

Going from working as a nurse and living in uptown Charlotte to living in Goa in a small village in basically the jungle with no job was quite a 180 for me as you can imagine. I’ve changed A LOT since I moved here and it was pretty gradually. I didn’t realize it until I really sat down compared how I was back in 2011/2012 living in the US to now.

How Living in Goa Changed Me (and Some Ways It Hasn’t) + What I’ve Learned

Goa is a really chilled out beach town right on the edge of the jungle. It’s stolen my heart completely and although I am moving away, it will always be a home to me. Living here was paradise, but living in India, in general, does come with some challenges. Here are some ways that living in Goa has changed me and things I have learned from living here that I will take with me when I go.

Life can be so much more simple than we make it.

The thing that I think has changed the most for me is how simple my life was in Goa. In the US I was always rushing around for things I thought were important but most of those things I did don’t even exist in the Goa in my lifestyle, and I didn’t miss them. I somehow went from loads of responsibilities to pretty much just making sure my pets were taken care of.

I would go to the market during the day I’m cooking and buy exactly what I need. I used to have to plan out doctor’s check-up’s months in advance in the US, but in Goa, I could just pop into the dentist or eye doctor last minute for a check-out or teeth-cleaning for $10. Life was so easy and chilled that you really didn’t need to plan or worry.

Things are a lot cheaper as well, which of course cuts the worry because even if you mess something up, it probably won’t be an expensive mistake. The chilled out Goa vibes (and Ben’s influence) have really rubbed off on me. I have always been really Type A but now, I’m much more relaxed and that’s something I will hopefully take to Mexico. I take things day by day rather than having so many plans and checklists – even with travel. I have one to-do list now which is always so empty that there are currently two things on it: find a pool cleaner in Merida and renew my nursing license in 2019.

In Goa, there is less responsibility because everyone is chilled. Five months late on your electricity? It’s literally no big deal. Snake under your couch? Just a Monday morning! Life is totally different and Goa sends you curveballs which over time make you learn to be more flexible. I don’t know if Mexico will be as laid back but I hope so.

Basically, life can be simple. You can throw away everything, move to a cheap country on the beach, and live off your savings for a year or so – it’s just if you are up for the adventure!

I’ve become a lot less materialistic.

You might be thinking, “yeah right” but you should have known me in 2012 and see how much junk I would buy on a trip to the mall. Living in India had really kept me out of the loop. I don’t know what is on trend and when I do see something I like on Instagram, I can’t buy it if I wanted to thanks to import customs so slowly, my brain stopped thinking about all the material stuff it wanted. I just go shopping mainly once a year while I’m in the USA. No more online shopping for me. Throughout the year, I don’t really buy anything.

Goa just got a mall. There is a Tommy Hilfiger, Marks and Spencers, Adidas, and a couple of other stores. They are stocked with clothes chosen specifically for an Indian buyer and they are way more expensive than the same items in the UK or USA. I never shop at the mall and there’s really nowhere else to shop but local boutiques, like my friends Tia and Rachel from FARA. I do get a dress here and there from them for Christmas or my Birthday and other than some souvenirs while I’m abroad, it’s refreshing not to be buying so much. I think Mexico might be a bit similar in that way.

By the time I go home next, the things on trend now aren’t anymore anyway so it’s a hell of a lot less waste! I love wearing local designers and could 100% care less about the brand name on my clothes or makeup which I couldn’t have said when I was 22. I’m excited to see if Merida has some cool local designers, but based on my two weeks there – I don’t think so, it seems like more big chain stores.

I’ve become more of a minimalist.

At first, I moved here with just one piece of luggage and a 65L backpack. I spent my first year in India with only that. Over the years, I accumulated things, but not too many and most was gifted to me by brands hoping I would blog about it. Ben helped since he owns basically nothing.

With the combination of not having much stuff in Goa and not being able to shop + mixing in a little bit of OCD and Type A behavior (I LOVE throwing things away and hate clutter) – I didn’t have anything in Goa that I don’t love and use. The less I have, the better. When we packed up for Mexico, everything we owned fit in four pieces of luggage and two carry-ons.

I also am more about shopping for quality over quantity thanks to this change. I might buy a $150 high-quality suede bag that I know I’m going to carry for years and not buy any other bag that year. Instead of a random raincoat, I’ll get a seriously heavy-duty one I know will last 10 years. When I bought my new tennis shoes last year, it was after my old ones from 2010 wore out. I use things until they are literally unusable.

I also read the book [easyazon_link identifier=”1607747308″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]The Magic Art of Tidying Up[/easyazon_link], which is another reason why these changes happened I imagine!

My thoughts on education have changed.

I go back and forth with my opinions on education where some days I feel like the way I did things is the best way (try to get straight A’s, take school really seriously, work for a scholarship for college, do well in college so you are open to any kind of job you want). Other days, I think the Goa way is amazing: kids learning and playing outside, not getting grades at some schools, and learning more creative skills to become artists and fashion designers.

The way I grew up with school was all I knew so it seemed normal, but now that I see so many other ways of schooling, it seems extreme. I 100% loved school and college but it’s no secret I’m not exactly using my nursing degree. Don’t get me wrong, I loved school growing up, playing soccer, and after school clubs but now I see that it wasn’t the way everyone grew up.

I’m sure there is some middle ground that has creativity and actual school stuff balanced out like a Montessori school. As I look around and see so many people doing jobs that have nothing to do with what they went to school for, it does make me wonder if we spent the first 25 years of our life wasting time. I do think when I have my own kids I’ll travel with them and let them learn that way rather than put them straight into pre-school and all of that. I know a lot of people who didn’t go to school at all until they were 9 or 10 and they are running their own businesses in paradise. I’m sure my parents are really annoyed reading this, ha! Woops.

Not just education, but I’ve definitely become much more liberal in my thinking on just about every subject. I won’t get into it all!

I feel way more in-tune with nature, as lame as that sounds.

Of course, I was always outside as a child. I grew up in the country; we played in the woods and swam in the creek and rode our bicycles all over. I was not a city girl, that’s for sure. I would ride four-wheelers through the mud and loved sports. In the winter, I went snowboarding. But the thing about the USA is that when you go inside your house, it’s literally the same all year round because of central air.

In Goa, the monsoon weather wreaks havoc on houses: mold on the walls and light fixtures, clothes that smell, floors that are literally WET with condensation all morning long, and rain and clouds constantly. This goes on for about 4-5 months. It made me seriously appreciate a nice breezy sunny day. I would wake up and I see monkeys jumping around outside and the beautiful palm trees we can see all across the fields from our house. We would open up all the windows (no screens here, so the bugs come inside) and let the breeze cool the house down during the day.

Although I never got used to the amount of red dirt that comes blowing into the house each day (and tracked in on my dog’s paws), settled as a fine layer on top of everything, I do absolutely love being outside even more than I did as a kid, which is hard to beat.

The state I am moving to in Mexico has like 60% jungle, but Merida the city is definitely not a jungle vibe. I think we will likely live outside the city so we can have a mix.

Other than needing A/C and WiFi, I think I can get used to just about anything.

Did you know I slept on a cotton-stuffed Indian-style mattress for 5 years? They carry them around on their heads and sell them on the road. It was dirty when we bought it. At first, I thought, “no wayyy” – I need a real mattress and mattress topper. But now when I’m in a 5-star hotel, I am dreaming of my Goa bed.

Every day when I go outside, it’s so dirty (I mean actual loose dirt) that my feet are dirty all day every day. I also only drive barefoot due to how the pedals are in my car – dirty feet all day long? Used to it!

I am used to drinking only filtered and bottled water – no filling my ice trays or coffee pot up from the tap. I am used to my well going dry and having to get more water. I’m used to power cuts that can last all day or sometimes a couple of days. I’m okay with finding cockroaches in my bathroom.. or them running across my feet in the kitchen, or in my luggage when I open it up. I’m used to my broom being made of dried grass. I mean, really.

I got used to the fact I cannot leave bread out on the counter without a million ants coming and it molded in a day due to the humidity. I am okay with the time of year flies infest houses here and you have to put sticky paper around your house to catch them; sometimes a paper has 15 flies on it by the end of the day! I am guessing this will be similar in Merida.

I also sadly got used to seeing things in India that I wish I didn’t get used to like injured animals (an everyday occurrence, although we often take them for help when we can).

I think Merida will be a lot cleaner but I’m sure there will be things I need to get used to there, although I don’t know what they are yet! I’ve heard ants and termites are bad and that you can step on scorpions. So we’ll see!

I think having jungle animals around is the best!

One day, I was driving with Ben and some friends and we thought we saw a new speed bump. Turns out, it was a 9-foot python. That’s how I found out there were pythons on my road. I saw a few more 8-foot ones that year in my backyard and where I park my car. I found a baby one under the couch. King cobra? Behind the trash cans.

I found a 6-inch scorpion dead in the bottom of the swimming pool five years ago which is how I found out we have those, too!

I’m okay with the dozens of dogs and cats in my village and love watching the monkeys put on shows or even come drink from the pool while I’m laying in it saying “no monkey, bad water!”. I would walk through my garden at night and my dogs are out there all the time and I never thought about snakes or spiders – even though I’ve seen spiders half the size of my head (hanging from a tree at my favorite restaurant, Gunpowder). I used to have such a fear of snakes that in North India when a snake charmer would have a cobra, I would literally start crying in shock.

I think in Merida there won’t be snakes… but outside of the city they definitely have pythons and other snakes.

Everything is possible.

In India, everything is possible. In Goa, everything is possible… but tomorrow. They are slow about things but they do get things done here and I’m telling you, everything you want to do is possible! Just go to the market, ask around, find the guy who can make you want you want or go to where the workers hang out and hire someone to help you with a project. Most people speak English.

Beyond getting things done and work, people here can get by on so little and be so happy it cannot help but change how I think about things. I know Mexico going to be less expensive than America but it’s much more expensive than India.

I also created my own job while I was living in Goa and was pushed by the creative people around me to think outside the box on my blog. To go from what my life was in 2012 to how much it’s changed now – and how happy I am in my job, I would say I really do believe anything you set your mind to can happen.

The positive outlook has just changed my lifestyle. I really will take so many things I learned in Goa and keep them with me in life and in Mexico. I don’t really drink anymore (okay I drink lol but not like I did in the USA), I go to bed at 10 pm a lot, I don’t get FOMO for missing a party, and I think that these 5 years in Goa has really made me a better person (I think Ben helped with that, too).

Being around so many different nationalities living here and learning the Goa way of living has opened my eyes to other lifestyles and let me see how I really want to experience life. I love Ohio and it’s great there – I am sad every single time I have to leave, but I also am happy that I have been exposed to so many unique ways of living that I can be more open-minded and understand people more than I used to. I hope living in Merida will teach me even more.

India and living in Goa taught me a lot of patience and how to be a calmer person, which I am grateful for. Goa also gave me Ben, Shanti, Omni, Kitkat, and loads of life-long friends. Thanks for following along on my time in Goa! Let’s see what Mexico will bring…

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Top 10 Travel Tips for Visiting Marrakech

Hippie in Heels — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:10:23 +0000

There are 10 travel tips every person needs to know before visiting Marrakech, Morocco. To avoid being disappointed, getting sick, or being taking advantage of follow these top recommendations and tips. Although I went to Marrakech without knowing all of this; our trip would have gone a bit smoother if we had done the research. So from one traveler to another, here are my top 10 travel tips for visiting Marrakech!

10 Marrakech Travel Tips

1.) Don’t Drink the Water

Don’t drink the tap water in Marrakech. Our bodies (if you’re a foreigner) are not accustomed to the bacteria in the water in Morocco. Thus, we have a high risk of getting sick or reacting poorly to the water. I took it to a whole new level and didn’t even brush my teeth with the tap water. I used bottled water for everything except taking a shower.

Water is very cheap in Marrakech and around the souks you can easily find it for about 50 cents. Make sure you have Moroccan Durham on you in exact change. Many times the owners won’t take large bills or Euros when it comes to small priced items.

2.) Ask Before You Take a Photo

For the most part, it’s extremely rude to take a photograph of someone without asking. Okay, that’s probably true in most cultures, but I noticed it more in Marrakech. If you plan to take a photo of someone ask them kindly and offer to pay them $1 or 10 Durham.

We asked an older man and at first he was not happy with us. I believe partly he didn’t understand we were willing to pay him. However, once his friend explained that we’d pay, he happily posed for the photo. In the souks my husband tried taking a photo of the hanging meats and the owner of the shop flipped out and whaled his arms back and forth. My husband wasn’t trying to take a photo of the person, just the meat, but still he was unhappy.

Walking around the souks and Marrakech you will see a lot of people with their cameras out. So, definitely don’t be shy about capturing some great moments and shots. Simply be aware of the people around you and try not to make them uncomfortable.

3.) Don’t Take Help from Strangers on the Street

This might seem like a no brainer, but it’s harder than it sounds. You’re going to get lost in Marrakech. I promise. And in the moment you’re lost, someone is going to approach you and ask to show you the way. Seems totally harmless, right? Nope.

If you accept someones help, then they expect you to pay them for that help. In some cases, you might harass you if you don’t pay them enough. While I was on my flight back to Germany from Marrakech I sat next to another couple that just visited. They told me that one man helped them back to their hotel. And when they didn’t offer to pay him enough he threatened them and held the door closed to the hotel. In that moment they felt they had no choice but to give him more money.

Granted, I like to believe that’s a rare situation. Nonetheless, it happened. Luckily for us, our hotel warned us of this. When we desperately needed help we walked into a restaurant or asked someone sitting behind a counter for directions.

4.) Dress Appropriately

With Marrakech being mostly Muslim, they have strict guidelines on how both men and women dress. Granted, the city has a very rich tourist economy and they are used to foreigners dressing differently. However, I still believe it’s extremely important to be respectful of their culture and dress modestly.

Even if for your own unwanted attention, I wouldn’t recommend wearing a mini skirt and swim top. Yes, the temperatures are hot in the summer, but wearing loose clothing will be just fine. Most days I wore dresses that fit loosely and hit my knees. Although I didn’t go as far as making sure my shoulders and ankles were fully covered. During my time I didn’t get any rude comments or anything about my looks. I do believe if you’re blonde hair & blue eyed, that might be a different story…

Read: How to dress in Morocco

5.) Take Cash Out at the Airport & Exchange Currencies

To be honest, I was a little annoyed because some guy at the airport told us we wouldn’t need Moroccan Dirham, only Euros. So we took his advice and barely took out any Moroccan Dirham. Which left us unable to buy snacks in the souks, pay taxi drivers, and tip our hotel staff properly.

Yes, you can get by on Euros, Pounds, and US Dollars, but it’ll limit you. There are ATMS in the city, but they aren’t found so easily and often. I recommend that you exchange your currency for Dirhams. It’ll make paying for things easier and you’ll get the best exchange rate this way.

Having exact change on you will make things a lot easier, too. Especially when it comes to negotiating in the souks. If you tell someone you can only pay “x” amount for something, but then you pull out triple from your wallet, they’ll haggle you more.

6.) Book a Day Trip from Marrakech

Getting out of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech is well worth it. We were only in Marrakech for 4 days, but took one of the days to see something different. After reading reviews on TripAdvisor, we booked an amazing day trip with Arib Voyages.

There are lots of trips to choose from, but do your research and book in advance. This way you’ll get the best price and availability.

Our trip was a day driving through the Agafay Desert, a camel ride, and eating lunch in the Atlas Mountains with a Berber family. It was the highlight of our whole trip to Marrakech. You can read more about our day trip on here.

7.) Be Prepared to be Harassed

This was such a hate/love part of the trip. The souks are beautiful and so interesting to see, but when you’re being haggled 24/7 it ruins it. I knew to expect people trying to sell us things. But I didn’t know it would be at this level.

On our first day, we politely said, “no, thank you”, and smiled to everyone bothering us. Then we learned that showed them a sign of weakness and they would just haggle us more. By the second day, we straight up ignored people. Made zero eye contact and just kept walking the other way. This was the best tactic and helped making walking through the souks more enjoyable.

8.) Watch Out for Scooters

The scooters are everywhere. Everywhere.

We decided that if we could change two things about Marrakech it would be the haggling and the fact that the scooters are allowed to fly through the souks. It not only felt dangerous, but also causes a lot of pollution and stress while you are walking. It felt like at every moment we were dodging scooters and motorcycles that were flying through the streets.

After a full day in the souks it was so nice to get away from the engines, pollution, and stress that comes with thinking a scooter is going to run you over. I know it sounds like I am being a little dramatic, but it really was so frustrating. I didn’t read anywhere anyone talking about this issue — so maybe I’m the only one annoyed?

Just go in knowing they’ll be there and be prepared to dodge them. In the evening they seem to be out more, so I recommend going to the souks in the morning and day time. The scooters and motorcycles are still there, just not has much.

9.) Bargain & Low Ball

Never ever accept the first offer given to you. Whether it’s a taxi or a souk — always negotiate. I have to laugh at myself because I took it to the next level and tried negotiating in an electronic store and the guy laughed at me and was like, “This isn’t the souks, Mrs., the price is the price.” I figured it was worth a try…

Okay, so don’t try to negotiate in Marrakech at the grocery store or electronic shop, but most other places — why not! In most cases were able to get 50% off the initial price given. For example, Michael was swooning over this leather weekender and they asked us to pay $60 initially. Which honestly, for a beautiful authentic leather bag that’s not too shabby. We said we wouldn’t pay more than $20. After some back and forth arguing and walking away from the store, they chased us down and said they would take $25.

I tell you this so that you’re not afraid to low ball and stick to your guns.

Side note: in American we have so many idioms that have to deal with guns… none of my German friends understand when I say things like, “Stick to your guns”. Food for thought.

Anyways, stand firm in your price and don’t let them sway you. They desperately want to sell these goods and if you aren’t afraid to walk away, you’ll get a better price.

10.) Stay in a Riad

Riad’s are the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever seen. No lie. Upon walking into any Riad, you’ll be hit with divine aromas, gracious people, mint tea being offered to you every moment, and an open rooftop terrace that’ll you want to spend hours on relaxing.

We stayed at Bliss Riad near the souks and Marrakech center. It was a small, 10 room space and the staff was amazing. I think to truly embrace the Moroccan culture, you have to stay in a Riad. Believe me, you’ll love sipping your tea in the courtyard and walking through the garden.

For more about our time in Marrakech, you watch my Travel Vlog here and see more from our Day Trip in the Agafay Desert & Atlas Mountains here.

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24 Hours in Dubai | A Detailed Dubai Layover Guide

Rachel Jones — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 13:11:00 +0000

Dubai, the city of dreams, is a popular pitstop for those traveling between the East and the West. In fact DXB airport is the busiest airport for international travel in the world with over eighty million passengers a year! Most people take advantage of their layover here to see the city. While you could easily do 3 or 4 days in Dubai to really see the city, this one is for those of you who have around 24 hours!

24 Hours in Dubai – Dubai Layover Guide

Enjoy breakfast by the beach.

What better way to start your day than having breakfast by the beach?

A favourite breakfast spot is Eggspectation cafe at The Walk on Jumeirah Beach Residence, known to locals as JBR. This thriving venue has one of the most extensive breakfast menus I’ve seen.

From french toast to pancakes they have a dish for everyone. Eggs Benedict are their speciality, whether it’s the ‘Smoked Salmon Benny’ you go for, or the ‘California Dreamin’ served with sauteed spinach and asparagus, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach ready to start your day in Dubai. They cook your breakfast to order so you can make changes to the dish if required. Prices are average for the area at around 60aed for a dish.

The Smoked Salmon Benny, Eggspectation.

If you don’t like the sound of their menu, there are plenty of other cafes and restaurants to explore. Another great spot a little further down the Walk is La Postreria. Their speciality is desserts, but they do a fab breakfast and lunch too. Their Mediterranean breakfast at 57AED comes with coffee and juice. Request to be seated upstairs on the terrace to be rewarded with stunning sea front views and some great people watching opportunities!

An afternoon of exploring Dubai…

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to explore what Dubai has to offer…Dubai really does have something for everyone. Here’s a few suggestions..

Adventure lovers: Head over to Palm Jumeirah to enjoy the exciting rides at Aquaventure waterpark.

For the real thrill seekers head straight to Poseidon’s Revenge. Stepping inside a capsule, fold your arms across your chest and wait for the floor to disappear beneath your feet. Without warning the trapdoor opens sending you plummeting down winding slides until you reach the pool with a splash and a sense of relief that you’re still alive! Take your Go Pro for this one! Another great ride is the ‘Leap of Faith’, an almost vertical slide! Warning. These rides are not for the faint hearted.

For up to date prices and opening hours check out their website.

If you stay at Atlantis hotel your admission to Aquaventure is included!

If you prefer roller coasters over water park rides then head to IMG World of Adventures, a huge indoor theme park. It’s a little far out of the city, but worth the thirty minute drive for those who enjoy roller coasters. It isn’t currently connected to the city by public transport so you do need a car for this one.

To book tickets, find out opening hours and information on getting there, check out their website.

Relaxing at the Beach.

If all you want to do is relax, swim in the sea and enjoy the beach you don’t even have to leave JBR.

Here there’s a great public beach with changing facilities. You can rent a sunlounger for the day, or simply lay your towel on the sand for free! When you get too hot, cool off in the Arabian Gulf (although in the summer months it’s bathwater temperature!)

If you get restless on the beach, don’t worry as there’s plenty of shops and restaurants around the area to explore, plus water sports activities from jet skiing, parasailing and even flyboarding.

Find out more here.

When it opens you could even try out one of Dubai’s latest attractions- the Ain Dubai which is a giant ferris wheel similar to the London Eye (but much bigger of course!) A full rotation is estimated to take 48 minutes.

Ain Eye, Dubai.

Interested in learning more about Dubai’s history and culture.

Dubai isn’t all steel skyscrapers, luxury hotels and fast cars.

If you’re interested in learning more about the religion of Islam, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts visits of the Grand Jumeirah Mosque every day at 10am other than on a Friday. Costs are currently at a mere 25 dirhams per person. (That’s less than seven dollars!)

I’ve been to this twice and found it incredibly interesting both times. The person running the talk explains aspects of Islam such as the five pillars of Islam, how and why Muslims wash before praying, how they pray and much more. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions they have about the Islam faith, so as to break down barriers and open communication between people of all faiths.

To find out more about the heart and history of Dubai, head out to Dubai Creek.

Don’t miss out on haggling at the gold and spice souks at Deira! You can get here by Dubai Metro- get off at the Al Ras Metro station.

Gold prices here are amongst the best in the world. Be sure to buy from authorised sellers which are regulated for guaranteed quality and authenticity. The souks are perfect places to pick up gifts for family and friends. After you’ve picked up some bargains, take an Abra (traditional boat) across the Creek for the grand price of 1aed to the vibrant textile souks in Bur Dubai.

After picking up colourful scarves and pashminas, call in at Dubai Museum to learn about Dubai’s history of pearl diving. You won’t recognise the old photos of Dubai before its rapid transformation to the modern city it is today.

A ten minute walk from Dubai Museum is the coffee museum which also has a cafe inside,, perfect for coffee addicts like myself! For tea lovers, the neighbouring Arabian Tea House is a must. Here you can choose from over 100 varieties of tea, although the iced moroccan tea is their best seller! They also serve light bites if you’re feeling hungry after all the walking!

Take a minute to watch the sunset.

After your busy afternoon of exploring Dubai, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the sunset. Dubai has some beautiful sunset spots.

My favourite places to watch the sunset in Dubai:

From the beach. We are lucky in Dubai as the sun sets out at sea. JBR beach, Um Suqeim beach and Kite Beach are all free public beaches offering great sunset views. If you go to Kite Beach be sure to check out the SALT stand and try the famous lotus milkshake or ice-cream! It is heavenly!

If you fancy sipping on a martini while watching the sun go down over JBR beach, don’t miss The Hilton’s Pure Sky lounge which has fabulous views overlooking the Arabian gulf. If you’re not an alcohol drinker, the mocktails here are fab too.

Over the Creek offers stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. A great spot is Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Make your way to Cielo lounge bar for views of Dubai’s skyline over the Creek.

From the Apple store or Joe’s cafe in Dubai Mall. Yes, the outdoor terrace of the Apple store really does have great views of the skyline!

From the Burj Khalifa. Watching the sun setting over the city from the tallest building in the world is definitely a ‘wow’ moment.

If you’re intending on going up the Burj Khalifa, whether its for the sunset or not, I recommend you pre book your tickets online. There are two options. Level 124 & 125 or level 148, 125 & 124. See prices on their official website here:

If you really want to enjoy the views then book a meal at Atmosphere, the world’s tallest restaurant inside the Burj Khalifa!

Once the sun has set, it’s time to make your way to Dubai Mall…

Dubai Mall, the biggest Mall in Dubai truly comes to life at night. Children, locals and tourists all mingle in this microcosm of Dubai City.

Its main attractions include its very own Aquarium. Yes you can watch the sharks, manta rays and groupers all swimming together from inside the Mall.

Maybe you fancy a spot of ice skating? You’re in luck as Dubai Mall is home to its very own ice rink!

However, Dubai Mall’s main star of the show, lies just outside the Mall in the form of the tallest building in the world, the majestic and magnificent Burj Khalifa. If you’re in Dubai, the towering landmark is visible across the city. However to see it up close is a wonderous spectacle and something you must do if you’re visiting Dubai.

At the base of the Burj Khalifa is my personal favourite attraction in Dubai, the Dubai Fountain Show. Every evening at half hourly intervals from 6.30pm until 11.30pm, you’re treated to a magical spectacle of dancing fountains, which sway and twist to various songs. My personal favourite is Michael Jackson’s Thriller!

To make the most of the fountain show, its best to reserve a table at a restaurant so that you can relax and enjoy the show without battling crowds for the best view.

The best restaurants are just over the bridge in Souk al Bahar – a stunning building built in a traditional Arabic style which is home to many fabulous restaurants and some shops too. Call ahead and request a table on the terrace of Italian restaurant Serafina to be granted an up close and personal show of the fountains. This restaurant is licensed and allows you to enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your meal.

For a taste of the Middle East, Lebanese favourite Abd El Wahab serves delectable authentic Lebanese cuisine. Their mezze is to die for. If you’re lucky enough to be seated outside on the front row of the terrace these seats offer some of the best views of the fountain show in the vicinity. It doesn’t serve alcohol, but does serve shisha.

After a delicious meal, you may be ready to retreat to your hotel for some rest. However, Dubai is home to some of the best bars and nightclubs in the world. Not far from Dubai Mall is the wonderful Taj Hotel, a stunningly decorated hotel which houses some fantastic bars. Try Treehouse bar – an outdoor lounge bar with Burj Khalifa views for handcrafted cocktails and some of the best shisha in the city, followed by a fun night at Billionaire Mansion! Be sure you dress to impress as strict dress codes operate.

Practicalities for traveling to Dubai:

Visa Information.

Whether you need to apply for a visa in advance or not depends on your nationality. Check regulations prior to travelling at ivisa.com.

Getting in and around Dubai:

If you’re intent on seeing as much of Dubai as possible then I highly recommend getting the ‘Big Bus tour’. It’s a hop on and hop off bus service and they offer three key routes- the ‘City Tour’, the ‘Marina tour’ and the ‘Beach Tour’.

Taxis are widely available and always metred. Make sure you wear your seatbelt as otherwise you might face a fine.

Airport taxis are more expensive than taxis in the rest of the city. There’s a stand with the prices clearly labelled at the taxi pick up point. If you’re female you will be encouraged to use the ladies taxis, spot them by their pink roof. They have women drivers and only accept female passengers.

If you fly into DXB terminal 1 or 3 you can also use the Dubai Metro to access the city.

The Metro is a fantastic way of getting around as you will miss the infamous Dubai traffic. Plus it’s extremely cost effective with most journeys costing under 6 dirhams. However, not all of the city is covered by the Metro so check first.

Where to stay in Dubai:

The Walk, JBR:

If you like being within walking distance of the beach and Dubai Marina then JBR is a great location.

The Sofitel Hotel: This 5* Sofitel hotel brings French elegance to Dubai in a prime position on JBR. Its famous infinity pool overlooking the Arabian gulf is definitely instagram worthy.

Downtown:

Bustling Downtown by Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most popular spots.

The Taj Hotel: Opulent and ornate, with an Indian influence, this hotel is ideal for couples and those who enjoy luxury. With its stunning decor, this really gives an impressive first impression. It is home to some fantastic bars, restaurants and even a nightclub.

Rove hotel: If you prefer cool and laid back rather than luxury, then the Rove hotel is a great pick at great value. They have a few hotels around the city, but this one is right in the heart of Downtown! It even offers late check out times of 2pm for those wanting to relax and make the most of their stay in Dubai. Upgrade to a luxury room for Burj Khalifa views.

The Palm Jumeirah:

If you’re after a relaxing retreat away from the city the Palm is the place to be…

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray: This palatial hotel, complete with its own private beach is a perfect pick for those who enjoy the Middle Eastern opulence. Relax in a Turkish Hammam at the onsite Talise Ottoman Spa.

Atlantis: This iconic building is perfect for families, this hotel grants you with free access to the Aquaventure waterpark! Home to a wide variety of restaurants such as Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen and the world famous Nobu, shops and even an Aquarium it has plenty to keep all the family occupied.

Close to DXB Airport:

If you have an early flight, you may prefer to stay by the airport.

Le Meridian hotel & Conference Centre is just minutes from DXB airport so you don’t have to worry about being late to check in! Unlike the typical sterile, bland airport hotels, this one is almost like a mini resort.

If you’re there on a Friday its famous Hive brunch- a four hour eating and drinking extravaganza at Warehouse restaurant, followed by the afterparty is legendary!

Dress codes in Dubai

On the beaches you’re free to wear bikinis, burkinis and anything in between. Topless or nude bathing is illegal and not tolerated. As soon as you;re off the beach, put some clothes on.

In the Malls modesty rules apply and although people do flout them, this is disrespectful and inappropriate for the local culture. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered.

Click here to see some outfits ideas for travel in conservative countries.

On the streets: Walking around Dubai in general follow the same rules as the Dubai Mall dress code.

In bars and nightclubs: They expect you to dress to impress. Often national dress (locals clothing) is not allowed. Rules are stringent and door men and women will stop people from coming in who they feel are not glamorous enough. For ladies many clubs require that you wear heels! Flat shoes are not allowed. Check the dress codes of the website of the venue you are attending beforehand, but expect it to be much more strict than anywhere in Europe for example.

With so much to do in so little time, 24 hours will fly by. The good thing is that there will be plenty left for you to do on your next stopover in Dubai, so make sure you come back!

Author profile: Dubai Dreamer. Originally from the UK, she has lived and worked in Dubai for over two years. Travelling is her main passion and since being nineteen she has enjoyed inter-railing through Europe, travelling on a round the world trip for six months and backpacking her way from Brazil to Colombia. Since moving to Dubai she has enjoyed exploring the Middle East, such as Jordan and Lebanon, and has some exciting travel plans for the year ahead. Solo, independent, travel is her favourite way to get around. She blogs on www.gettingthedreamlife.com about her travel experiences (the good, the bad and the ugly!) and her Dubai lifestyle.

The post 24 Hours in Dubai | A Detailed Dubai Layover Guide first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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How Much Does it Cost to Travel Southeast Asia? An Example of an Exact Budget for Southeast Asia

Hippie in Heels — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 13:00:55 +0000

Travel expenses in Southeast Asia are known to be relatively low when compared to those incurred whilst traveling in other regions of the world, so it is no surprise that Southeast Asia is one of the most popular take-off destinations for long-term travelers. But how much does it cost to travel Southeast Asia exactly and is it as cheap as you might think?

Many travelers look at starting off their travels in countries where travel expenses can be kept low, until they find a footing with respect to both their budget and their sanity (sometimes). Planning a budget for long-term travel is no mean feat especially when funds are limited and travel plans are still a work in progress. With cheap accommodation and cheap food available, keeping travel expenses in Southeast Asia low is not usually very difficult, making it a starting travel destination of choice.

Our own adventure kicked off with a commitment to save as much as possible, whilst we were still working full-time in our respective offices from Malta. We don’t have many tips for saving money since we weren’t particularly good at it, and actually wish that we had accumulated some more savings before we left! However, knowing that the travel expenses in Southeast Asia would not be particularly high, we kept up a very busy social lifestyle until the very day we were set to leave!

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Southeast Asia – Our budget and expenses so far

Despite not saving up much, we did not leave home with $500 in our pockets either. Having worked at professional jobs for over 15 years ensured that we had a good chunk of our travel expenses sorted before we left home. We were aware that we could travel on a pre-determined (if rather low) budget for a good number of months if necessary, and any money we made on the road would serve in contributing some “luxury” (usually in the form of better accommodation or an occasional glass of wine) to our travels.

We have now been traveling in Southeast Asia for 8 months and we’ve been to the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Timor-Leste and we’re currently on our fourth month Indonesia. We have noted down every single expense that we made every day in each of these countries in an attempt to monitor our travel expenses in Southeast Asia and minimize costs where possible.

In spite of the fact that we are traveling on a restricted budget, not only are we doing our best to experience as many things and exciting places as possible, but we are also making that we do not miss out on destinations which are known to be expensive. So yes, a restricted budget, but not to the point where we feel that we are missing out on experiences.

So, what’s a restricted budget with respect to travel expenses in Southeast Asia?

Beyond a basic minimum limit, your travel expenses in Southeast Asia can be as high or as low as you choose. Southeast Asia is perfect this way, in that most of the region caters to budget backpackers as well as to those looking for luxury. You can even travel on a budget and have a “luxury break” if you so wish!

Our pre-determined budget is €30 (around $35) per person per day. That covers ALL expenses including accommodation, transport costs, food, toiletries, sim cards, and internet connectivity and any entrance fees, excursions or activities.

We do not stick to this budget religiously every single day. In cases of interesting activities or excursions (or restaurants) which are expensive we do at times go over-budget. Some other times when traveling in a relatively cheaper area we spend less and save some $$$. We average out our expenses per country and hope that the final average figure is lower than €30 per day in any country!

We’ve had all kind of comments regarding our budget from people telling us that a €30/day budget is sheer luxury to others saying that we’re “tramping” our way around. There’s no universal “right” way of spending your money. Adjusting to a budget mostly depends on the lifestyle you have been used to living and what you’re ready to give up.

For us, the term ‘restricted’ means that when traveling full-time, we are no longer traveling in the same manner as we did when going on shorter trips. Gone are the restaurants dinners, wine and mid-range hotels. In come the street food and local eateries, plastic chairs besides street-side barbeques and hawkers, budget guesthouses and hostels, and overcrowded vans.

We have outgrown dorms at this point in our travels. We tend to look for accommodation with a private bathroom, though we can be flexible on occasions. Mandi-style (bucket) cold-water showers and squat toilets are perfectly fine with us. Although we like to have a functional a/c unit to counteract the Asian heat and humidity at night, we don’t mind using fans instead either.

Tips for minimizing travel expenses in Southeast Asia

Planning

Although being spontaneous tends to be more fun, there’s little doubt that it is more expensive too. Planning your trip beforehand allows for better research into accommodation options, choosing more convenient transport options (don’t miss the twice weekly ferry or long-distance bus if it’s half the price of a flight to the same destination!) and even choosing the right area to stay in to minimize travel costs even further.

If you are traveling during peak season or during local holidays, for example, you should most definitely book accommodation and transport beforehand where possible. During Easter time in the Philippines, it was impossible to find an empty room on the more popular islands whilst during the days of Hari Raya in Malaysia, long-distance buses to many destinations were fully booked from weeks before.

If you’re traveling long-term, planning too much for long stretches of time is not always possible or advisable. We usually like to look into transport and accommodation options for particular destinations about 2 weeks before getting there. If we get the feeling that the place is not particularly busy we will book 1-2 nights stay and monitor transportation out but not book that, so as to have the liberty of staying as little or as long as we like.

If on the other hand, we realize that many rooms have already been taken up and transport options are few, we will book everything beforehand at once so as not to miss out on going there, or have to stay at a resort which costs three times as much as a budget room. This has happened a couple of times and our lack of proper planning was a definite culprit!

Transport

One of the cheapest ways in which to travel long distances in most Southeast Asian countries is by using buses. Some are more comfortable than others (even in economy) with very little difference in price, so we do suggest that you search online and use companies with the newest and most comfortable buses.

Flights in Southeast Asia also tend to be affordable, so you should look at flight prices for any given route before using a bus or a ferry. For example, flying from Ambon to Bandaneira (one of the Spice islands in Indonesia) is cheaper than using the ferry (though more prone to cancellation). All too often though, flights are double or triple the cost of using land transportation and here is where it makes a lot of budgetary sense to go for the cheaper option.

When traveling short distances, it is almost always possible to find some kind of local van to take you to different parts of town, rather than using more expensive taxis. The vans (locally called, bemos, angkots, bisons, jeepneys amongst others) can be very uncomfortable (think people sitting on your lap uncomfortable) but really affordable, probably 10-20 times cheaper than a taxi.

Food

Choosing affordable food options is one of the easier ways in which to minimize travel expenses in Southeast Asia. Local food tends to be very cheap in the region and, with a very tasty wide selection of dishes available, it rarely gets boring.

Very often we eat street food or dine at local eateries and stalls thus ensuring that we stick to our budget. Once a week, we make it a point to eat at a better restaurant with no budget restrictions as a “treat”. We find that this works well since some local dishes might not be available at cheaper places. After some months traveling in Southeast Asia, we also get western food cravings on occasions, which we know will eventually need to be satisfied.

Accommodation

We like to research accommodation options beforehand and even book online if we find a good deal. Some long-term travelers prefer to just turn up and ask around for cheaper stays and accommodation. Whilst this does work out cheaper sometimes, we find it to be a waste of time, and booking online also gives you access to reviews about the place!

Online booking also give you the opportunity to compare price vs quality (cleanliness, facilities and location). Although most times we can get a good room that fits our requirements for less than €20 (around $23)/ night in the main part of town or beach, this is not always the case.

Such budget options in Singapore or in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste were inexistent. Other times, in more remote and undeveloped areas, the only accommodation option available only included shared bathrooms. They had to do!

Activities

Travel expenses in Southeast Asia can be truly minimized by going on few organized activities. There are actually many activities which can be done for free, though some of the best ones are rarely so. We don’t recommend being too stingy with activities and entrance fees as some experiences may be unique to that region only, although this is of course a personal choice.

Diving in different parts of Southeast Asia is world class, the more expensive temples in Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia are the most stunning, whilst cruising around El Nido and Coron in the Philippines will give you access to dream beaches and islands. Going on a balloon ride over the temples of Bagan in Myanmar is an experience we will never forget, and the country itself has plenty of things to do for couples, solo travelers, families, and more.. None of these activities are free (or cheap for that matter) but they are surely worth every penny.

Are some countries in Southeast Asia more expensive than others?

Singapore, Brunei and Timor-Leste are known to be more expensive than other countries in this region. Travel expenses in Cambodia and Vietnam are among the lowest whilst Thailand and Myanmar used to be a lot more budget-friendly than they are now. The travel costs in the Philippines and Indonesia depend a lot on how far you travel and what islands you go to.

Read More: A Vietnam Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Keep an eye on your transportation costs. It is good to point out that although services and amenities may be more expensive in some places, it may be possible to travel around by long-distance bus, thus reducing flying costs, and the average transport expense may turn out to be less than the travel costs for a country where food and accommodation is cheap but transportation expenses are higher.

The latter is true if you intend traveling around countries with many islands such as the Philippines and Indonesia. Although it was way more expensive to eat and to stay in Timor-Leste than it is in Indonesia or the Philippines, it was possible (although difficult) to get around Timor-Leste via long-distance buses, so the average cost of traveling in the country turned out to be less than the average costs of traveling within Indonesia and the Philippines.

Of course, if you choose to spend most of your time on only one or two of Indonesia’s and Philippines’ many islands, travel costs can be considerably reduced. This was never the case for us! We like to experience as much as possible and go off the beaten track, so limiting ourselves to a couple of islands was never a solution.

Traveling and exploring remote islands with limited infrastructure is usually more expensive than spending time in places with considerably more tourist facilities. Traveling within Sumba island, Alor Island and West Timor in Indonesia costs more than going down the well-trodden routes of Java, Bali and Flores. But the opportunity of experiencing places with a little more authenticity and uniqueness and a lot less tourists is priceless!

Our travel expenses in Malaysia averaged out lowest of the countries we have been to so far. Thanks to a very well organized bus and train network, we never needed to catch a flight and only used long-distance buses and ferries. Although we found accommodation costs to be higher in Malaysia than in neighboring Indonesia, the fact that we dined on very tasty street food at hawker stalls, and the fact that the transportation system was so easy to use and reliable, meant that we only spent an average of €22 each/day in Malaysia as opposed to an average of about €30 each/day in the Philippines and €27 in Indonesia.

Singapore costs were by far the highest with an average of €40 each/day which is over our budget. We felt that three days in this little country was enough for a quick overview of the main sites though and the “extra” cost of traveling to Singapore were easily be balanced out by lower costs in neighbouring countries, to ensure that we stuck to our budget.

Surprisingly, the Philippines was a more expensive destination than we expected. We averaged €30 each/day with very little comforts. No expensive or celebratory meals, very basic accommodation and street food almost every day. We thought that activities and boat trips in the Philippines are a little more expensive than they are in the other countries. Furthermore, flights are often an unavoidable evil, as the only means of traveling between different parts of the country, i.e. if you intend exploring much of the territory rather than sticking to one or two touristic islands. In fact, we spent an average of €9.50 each/day on transport as opposed to only €3 each/day in Malaysia.

So far, we feel that we have managed our travel expenses in Southeast Asia pretty well, traveling mostly on a budget but still experiencing as much as possible and pampering ourselves with some comforts every once in a while. It has been increasingly easier to make financial decisions during our travels as we gain more experience with living this lifestyle!

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Ask Me Anything: Should I go to North or South Goa? (Original Post by Rachel from 2017)

Hippie in Heels — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:00:17 +0000

This post is part of my Ask Me Anything series where I answer FAQ I get often via email and social media. In this post, I’ll answer the common question of “should I come to North or South Goa?”.

You might have noticed I write mostly about North Goa on my blog. That is because I live in North Goa. Goa isn’t a big state, and it takes about four hours to drive along the whole coast. They aren’t hugely different from how the look, so it never seems like it’s worth the drive for us. Maybe once a year, we go down there.

Don’t forget to pick up my Insider Guide to Goa and my Guide to India

Should I go to North or South Goa?

Many people email about coming to Goa for one week or two and want to know if they should stay in the North or bounce down to the South. The answer to this doesn’t actually depend on the amount of time you have to travel in Goa, but more so what your interests are because they are two very different places in some ways.

Food:

If I had to list the top 10 restaurants in Goa, they would all be in the North. If I did the top twenty, at least 15 would be in the North. Most of the best restaurants in Goa are in North Goa. The South has a few stand out places, but all the “famous’ restaurants (except Martin’s Corner and 5-stars) are in the North.

Parties:

While there are parties in the South, I would say at least 95% of the massive parties are in North Goa. There are a few places in the South that have parties on the weekends, but not only are they smaller you have less options on where to go out.

The North has a handful of trance parties each weekend but all the clubs in Baga and Candolim area. If you want to party, especially trance, come to the North.

Beaches:

The beaches in the far South and the farthest North are the best. North Goa usually tends to be Anjuna/Vagator area (decent, crowded beaches) and Candolim/Baga (very crowded beaches), and Ashwem/Arambol (fun clean, pretty beaches). But there are beaches even further North that are totally undeveloped and empty.

In the South, you have the best beaches like this but they are developed a little and have shacks and guesthouses nearby.

In the South, I’ve written about the secret beach I love that isn’t so secret anymore (not due to me but more hotels popping up).

Crowds:

The North is by far more crowded that the South. If you’re dead against crowded party areas and are on of the people who think “Goa won’t be the real India” then you’ll most likely prefer the South.

The South is actually better for backpackers as you don’t have crazy crowds, can chill in quiet jungle, take cooking classes and other classes, and feel like you are somewhere from a movie.

The North has so many tourists here both international and Indian, that it’s way overcrowded. It is this way because almost all the best things to do/see are in the North.

Yoga:

There are yoga classes and retreats in both North and South, but the South has many more and is more known for doing yoga teacher training as there are multiple famous schools down there. It’s a little more “zen” in the South.

Shopping:

All my favorite shops are in North Goa, like Tia’s (pics I took for her above). FARA, Lamuella, and all the rest that I love are here. Also, the famous Anjuna market and Saturday Night Market are all in North Goa.

Overall, for me, the North of Goa is my jam! I know where to go to avoid crowds and I drive to Ashwem when I want a nice beach. Hopefully this helped you answer if you should go to North or South India!

Get all the Goa Knowledge!

If you want more details on where to do yoga, where to eat and chill in all the different areas of Goa, you need my ebook. My 170-page guide is the most comprehensive guide out there for Goa and has all my little secret places! Click here to buy it.

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Confession: I Still Get Anxiety Before Every Trip I Take

Rachel Jones — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 12:59:03 +0000

I’ve always had anxiety before I travel, and becoming a travel blogger didn’t change that.

I LOVE to travel and I get so excited before a trip, but I also have a pit in my stomach that I can’t even pinpoint what’s wrong. I get it if I travel alone, mostly, but even when I travel with someone else.

Anxiety Before Traveling

An unexpected thing I’ve noticed is that not only do I get anxiety before I travel, but a lot of travel bloggers have written that they do, too. I think people think you’re either a traveler or you’re not, and if someone feels anxiety, they think they fall in the latter group.

But seeing the high percentage of travel bloggers who admit to getting anxiety when they travel, it makes you think most people must get a little anxiety, just statistically. Literally, thousands of results come up if you google traveling with anxiety and some of the top posts are from Adventurous Kate, Neverending Footsteps, and Living in Another Language.

If you search, you’ll find hundreds of articles which share tips on how to get over pre-trip anxiety. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of tips and I always feel anxiety before I go. I am mostly writing this just in case you didn’t realize it’s VERY common. Because, if you get anxiety too, it really does help to know you’re not alone.

So what causes the pre-trip anxiety?

I’m sure everyone has a different reason as to why they feel anxious before a trip.

For me, it’s only getting from point A to point B. The second I land at my final destination, I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I don’t feel nervous about the actual trip I’m on, it’s just getting there and then again when I go home, or to the next place.

I am not afraid of flying. Not in the slightest!

I get really organized before a trip. I pack everything and go through a checklist in my head of what I need to not forget. I check in online when I remember, and choose a seat. I double-check that I’m allowed as much luggage as I’m bringing. I double-check what time I need to leave and that I am going to the right airport. I give 30 minutes extra for traffic.

Yet, I feel sick the night before. The day of, I watch the clock and worry all day. But, the WORST thing is I don’t know why I’m worrying! I cannot think of one reason!

So, that’s anxiety. It sucks. I deal with it because this is the only time I get anxiety, therefore I don’t believe I need medication for it – in fact, having anxiety when you travel is really normal.

How do I try to get past my anxiety?

I remind myself that most of the trips I had anxiety on, went fine.

I remind myself that the worst case is that my luggage gets lost (and gets sent to me the next day) or I miss a connection. The worst case is usually losing money essentially.

I run a checklist in my head to make sure I’ve done everything and packed everything. I also check my documents list to make sure I have all of that.

I talk about my worries out loud to whoever will listen lol, sorry.

I also don’t just sit around on days I have an evening flight. I go about my day and go to the beach or pool, whatever – I just make sure I’m back to my house WAY ahead of time to shower and leave. If I sat at home all day before a 7 PM flight, I’d go crazy. It’s good to distract yourself.

When I travel with someone else, especially Ben, I don’t worry at all and am so chill – but alone, is when I feel anxious. It’s not enough to stop me from traveling and I know it’ll be 24 hours of nerves then it’s over. If you have severe anxiety you might consider not traveling alone or taking medication to help.

People say that exercise, soothing music, and such will help. For me, I just have it and nothing helps so I just mentally prepare for it beforehand.

I don’t drink coffee before a trip, it makes your heart speed up which isn’t a good mix with anxiety. I try to stick to water and stay hydrated.

I really didn’t write this to give tips, though, but just to let you know that even though I’m always traveling, doesn’t mean that I’m always just carefree! I get nervous and if you do too, I hope it helps to know you’re not alone!

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The post Confession: I Still Get Anxiety Before Every Trip I Take first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Maldives: How to Honeymoon While Backpacking Asia

Rachel Jones — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:11:36 +0000

This post is from another travel blogger who had a destination wedding in Bali then started a 6 month backpacking trip with her new husband, choosing to honeymoon in the Maldives. I know a lot of people would love to do something like this so I asked her to share a little bit about how she chose to do this, what she packed, and where she stayed. So, here’s Kim to share her story on how to honeymoon while backpacking.

Let’s start with a quick introduction of how we got to where we are today. This crazy adventure started back in 2008. I, Kim from Tennessee, went to Australia, for a 3-month working holiday. Soon afterwards, I met Rob. Fast and furious style, we fell in love and decided to tie the knot that year.

Residing in Australia until 2015, we decided 2016 was our year. We’d explore the world before moving back to the States to be closer to my family. We had 12-months up our sleeves and decided to extensively travel Asia. Not only is the region more budget friendly, but we also felt it’s a great area to travel whilst we’re still relatively young. We find it takes a bit more patience and some compromises. We’d start in Hawaii (a bit out of the way, but we had to get Rob’s visa for the USA sorted). From there, the plan was to head to the Philippines and continue through Southeast Asia for 6-months. Then, we’d head west to India and Nepal, before making a loop back through Malaysia and Indonesia. And finally a brief stint back to Australia. Woo hoo! Exciting times ahead!

How to honeymoon while backpacking

Knowing we’d be visiting Sri Lanka and India, Rob and I were debating on whether to visit the Maldives. Of course, it’s beautiful, but it was quite a bit more expensive than the rest of the places we were budgeting for. But then, we had a lightbulb moment. Aha! We’d not only visit the Maldives, but we’d go there for our honeymoon! And since it would be half way through our trip, what better time to celebrate.

Sure, maybe it sounds cliche, but how can you go wrong with a honeymoon in the Maldives? After living out of a backpack for the last 6-months, it was time for a bit of luxury. I mean, check out my original packing list

I AM NOT THE SAME HAVING SEEN THE MOON ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD. -MARY ANNE RADMACHER

We looked at visiting a local island; after all, we love travelling like a local. The accommodation looked brilliant and the reviews were fantastic. And this is exactly how we would have travelled had it not been our delayed honeymoon.

Long story short, we never had a proper getaway after our wedding. Rob was working on a big project and was unable to have any time off. Don’t get me wrong; we had a beautiful, intimate wedding in Bali, Indonesia. Lucky for us, Rob was working there at the time, so it just made sense. With only 4-guests (Rob’s family), there was absolutely no stress. We were just able to make a lifetime commitment to each other in a wonderful, relaxed environment! As for my family, they definitely would have made the trip from the States if I wanted them to. But as I’m so practical, I told them not to worry, and we’d come to visit in a few months and have a wedding party Stateside. That was also the first time they met my new husband, but hey, that’s a different story…

The next day after the wedding we were off to Jakarta. And for anyone that’s been, you know it’s not exactly the type of place for a honeymoon. In fact, much to our surprise, our room had two single beds nailed down to the floor on opposite sides of the room. Sweet!

In reality, I’m super practical so I was never fussed about a honeymoon. Though my dad gave Rob advice that I’d say that now, but in 20 years, I’d be complaining. So we thought it best to rectify the situation.

And of course, there was no better time than now! Like anyone, I wanted our honeymoon to be special. Though after wearing the same underwear for 6-months, it was time to treat myself to a few new things. I had to keep in mind I’d be carrying them in my backpack for the following 4-months post our honeymoon. So, I had to ensure they were both light and small enough to fit in my bag too.

Packing for a honeymoon while backpacking

So, here’s what I ended up splurging on:

Bikini Top– ($29) I†started our trip with two. One was reversible so it was a two-for-one deal, except the base colour was white (oops, silly me). So, after 6-months with it, it was time for a new top. In Sri Lanka at the time, I waited until we hit the southern beaches to find something spectacular. Much to my surprise, the beaches weren’t like back home, and I couldn’t find swim options with ease. So, when we got back to Colombo, it was on. I went to two malls and was lucky enough to find one shop with swimsuits. And even luckier to find an Aussie Swim Store. And they even sold separates, which was great as my black bottoms would match back to everything. I tried on every single top in the shop (no exaggeration). And I finally decided I needed some sparkly leopard print in my life.And as tacky as that sounds, it really does look amazing on if I say so myself, haha.

Dress– ($22.50) Score! I picked up this one on sale at Urban Revivo in China. At the time I bought it we hadn’t yet decided if we were going to go the guesthouse or the resort route. So I bought something versatile that could be worn in either a conservative or modern setting. And we all know, black is a girl’s best friend. This dress is no exception, with the off the shoulder cut with embroidery detail, flows sleeves, and baby doll fit. The photo just does not do it justice!

honeymoon LBD

Eyeliner– ($9) I only packed minimal makeup for my year long trip. I can’t leave the house without mascara. And between my[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00GLO6OYA” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]NARS Multiple[/easyazon_link] and lipgloss, I’m pretty much set for any occasion. But, for my honeymoon I wanted to add a different dimension, and I knew the eyes were the way to go. I opted for a green gel colour, and it was great to see my eyes pop again!

Hat– ($4) There was no way I was wearing my dorky purple Kathmandu safari hat on my honeymoon. And my knockoff Adidas visor wasn’t going to make the cut either. So, I had to invest. In the fort area of Galle, Sri Lanka, I found the perfect straw hat at a rock bottom price, so I was set!

Necklace– ($8.50) For those of you that don’t know me, I’m a dog lover through and through. Whilst travelling these 12-months, our two dogs are waiting for us to return home to Australia. Then, we’ll make the big move to the States. In Sri Lanka, they have a shop called Embark. The store’s mission is to save Sri Lanka’s street dogs. I was in love! So I bought a necklace to accessorise and saved a dog at the same time! OMG – it was the best!

Sandals– ($1.50) For a girl that went from over 100 pairs of shoes (not joking) down to three, a new pair of shoes was a must. Luckily I found a great pair of jelly type sandals with a bit of bling on clearance. Gosh, I love a good bargain!

Sarong– ($3.50) When the lady at Unawatuna Beach approached me, I was sold! The hard part was just in deciding which one. I finally decided the blue would match the colour of the crystal blue waters in the Maldives, and was stoked with my decision.

Shellac Pedicure– ($10.50) You can only imagine how bad my feet needed this after 6-months on the road. Hiking, camping, beaching enough said! This was one of the best splurges on my list. My only regret is not doing it sooner ;)

Sunglasses– ($1.50) There is a wonderful store in China called MiniSo. This shop is like a trendy accessories dollar store. Seriously, everything is on point (from creative home necessities to cute Panda eye masks) but costs you hardly anything. I fell in love with my $1.50 sunglasses and have never looked back.

GRAND TOTAL = $90

Oh, in case you’re wondering, I did look for some nice panties or lingerie. But, I didn’t like what I found or it was very expensive, so I skipped it. After all, Rob wouldn’t be seeing it on me for long anyways *bow-chica-wow-wow* Haha, sorry – I know, I know, TMI!

Where to stay in Maldives for a honeymoon

When we landed in the Maldives, I felt like a “Bond girl” as we walked from the runway to speedboat. And the next 7-nights at Eriyadu were pure heaven. Well, there were a few hiccups.

It rained most the time and Rob lost his wedding ring (for real – how’s the irony!) But hey, those imperfections are what makes it perfect, right.

And I’m sure it would have been just as wonderful without my new gifts to myself. But it was nice to go shopping and get pampered, so what better excuse to do it than for my long awaited honeymoon!

For anyone on the road, looking to celebrate that special commitment you’ve made to your partner – CONGRATS! The Maldives really is a wonderful place to do it! Eriyadu was perfect, as it was reasonably priced ($2,300 for 7-nights plus the speed-boat transfers for $330) and absolutely beautiful! So, for less than $350/night we had a deluxe room with breakfast, lunch and dinner, all-inclusive drinks & snorkelling gear.

Rob also spoiled me with the most expensive massage I’ve ever had ($120 of pure bliss) and we went diving with sharks ($350). The entire experience was unforgettable!

Do you have a backpacker honeymoon story to tell? I’d love to hear it!

Kim is a freelance writer and the Co-Founder of Simply Travelled. Simply Travelled is a travel blog that encourages people to take a LEAP! An adult gap year, career break, sabbatical – call it what you will. Despite her klutzy nature, she believes life is all about balance. Being the recipient of so much generosity to date, Kim wants to pay it forward, by offering her top travel tips and advice to everyone interested keen on travelling. You can connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

The post Maldives: How to Honeymoon While Backpacking Asia first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Backpackers Boutique: Packing Tips from Global Couple

Rachel Jones — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 10:22:52 +0000

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

An interview with packing tips from the Global Couple

Tell us a little about about who you are, what your blog is called, and where you’re traveling now.

My name is Petra and I’m a mid-20s New Zealander. I love photography, the outdoors, and street food. My husband Shaun and I run our travel blog, The Global Couple. We’re currently at home in Auckland, New Zealand after travelling in North America for most of 2014. We’re working and saving up for our next trip!

Do you use a backpack or rolley suitcase for long-term travel?

I use a backpack. Both Shaun and I have Macpac Pegasus 55L packs (Macpac is a local New Zealand brand). The quality of the fabric and sewing is excellent and they don’t show any signs of wear and tear after months of being hauled around. For our next trip, though, I’m looking at getting a smaller pack that will also be good for hiking when we are travelling.

What shoes are your every day walking around, sightseeing shoes?

I usually pack about 3 or 4 pairs of shoes – Havaiana jandals (flip flops), Teva Tirra sandals, Nike Free Runners, and sometimes Converse black leather street shoes. I usually wear the Teva sandals or Nike Free Runners for sightseeing. It really depends on the destination as to how many pairs I take – I’ll remove the Converse shoes if I’m going somewhere like SE Asia, but in 2014 we were mostly in the US and Canada so they were great for a slightly nicer shoe that I could wear out to dinner and drinks!

When you’re pigging out trying new foods, other than typical walking & sightseeing in towns- what do you do to keep away the love-handles?

I hate to say it but I’m pretty lazy when it comes to doing extra exercise while travelling. I’m lucky enough that I don’t really put on much weight while travelling, especially when in hot destinations it’s easy to sweat it out! We tend to do heaps of walking though (upwards of 10km per day) so that keeps the blubber at bay. Sometimes we’ll hire bicycles too.

When you’re traveling, do you pick up beauty & shower products while you go or are there products you can’t live without- what are they?

I’m not that fussy with hair products, so I just use a cheap one from the supermarket – Tresemme is usually my go-to brand. I have quite sensitive facial skin though, so I take a bottle of Cetaphil face wash and Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF so I can avoid breakouts and dry skin! I always take a mascara with me, and my latest favourite is one from Sephora.

For those who thing living out of a backpack is impossible, what tips do you have for saving space or what things have you learned you actually don’t need to pack?

Packing cells! These things are genius – I have one for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and I also have a compression sack for bulkier items like sweatshirts. I’ve learned that I don’t need a hair straightener, heels, or many fancy clothes – I generally wear pretty casual stuff so I’ll only take one dress that can be squashed into a fist-sized ball.

The Hippie in Heels has to ask, would you ever pack heels on a backpacking trip?

It depends on where I’m going. If I’m heading to Asia then definitely no, but perhaps I would if I was going to Europe or North America. I don’t wear heels much when I’m at home so it’s even less likely that I would wear them on a trip!

What type of outfit do you take in case of a night out clubbing or going to a fancy bar/hotel?

As I said above, I usually take one dress. In terms of shoes, If I’ve got heels with me I’ll wear them but otherwise I’ll try to pick up a cheap pair of nice sandals from a shop. I don’t do a lot of clubbing so it’s probably not something I really need to think about that much!

What is the one material thing you miss most from home while you’re roughin’ it abroad?

My pet cat Lemmi (is she a material thing?) – she’s 20 and so loving, and I miss her like crazy when we’re away from home.

Airport style: love looking LA paparazzi ready or could care less? Do you pack “plane” or “relaxing” clothes for a long-term backpacking trip or would it take up too much space?

I don’t really care how I look at the airport. I take exercise leggings with me for the plane (and I also use them for sightseeing and hiking etc.) and just wear a comfy t-shirt and cardigan that I would be taking with me anyway. I’ll also usually wear my largest pair of shoes (Nike’s usually) so they don’t take up space in my pack!

And for the girls, what are your absolute favorite make up products you take with you on a trip?

Sephora mascara, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish powder, MAC Bronzer, eyeliner (just a generic brand), MAC eyeshadow, Lippy, and sometimes a waterproof mascara too. If I’m in a hot, sticky climate I usually only wear mascara – the powder runs off within a few minutes!

Do you have a special skin care routine on the road to prevent breakouts from the stress, sweat, and humidity?

Cetaphil is my go-to brand for skin care. If it’s really hot and sweaty I tend to wash my face a couple of times a day. I sometimes take facial wipes to get rid of sweat and grime if it’s really that hot and sticky!

What does your most worn, daily outfit look like (for example mine is high waisted jeans short or a maxi skirt with a crop top!) while you’re traveling?

Black short shorts and a loose singlet – probably a breathable one made by Nike or similar. Jandals if I’m not walking too far otherwise Nike Free Runners or Teva sandals!

Tell us the ONE thing you pack for a long backpacking trip & would never leave behind.

Ooh, this is hard – I have so many things I couldn’t do without! I would probably say my Swiss Army Knife. The amount of times it has come in handy – cutting tags, opening beer and wine bottles, slicing band-aids, etc. is ridiculous. Definitely a necessary item. I also love photography so I’d never leave my camera behind!

You can only pick one: iPod or Kindle?

Kindle – I love reading when I’m travelling!

Thank you for interviewing on Hippie in Heels, before you go can you tell readers that may be on the fence about taking a trip why YOU think they should go for it!

Just do it. It will be an experience you will treasure forever, you’ll create amazing memories, and you’ll have a ton of fun! Yes, there are stressful times and you may get sick, but in the end it’s all worth it. Enjoy! Check out our post on how to avoid stress while travelling.

Petra is one half of The Global Couple travel blog – the other half is her husband Shaun. She’s a New Zealander who loves photography and the outdoors, as well as wandering around new cities and trying street food. The Global Couple focuses on budget adventure travel and gives lots of handy travel tips and insider information into numerous destinations. Follow The Global Couple on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Shop Petra’s Faves!

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post Backpackers Boutique: Packing Tips from Global Couple first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Backpackers Boutique: Packing Tips from Global Couple appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Want to Win a Free Vacation in the UK?

Rachel Jones — Thu, 15 May 2014 04:58:01 +0000

Want a chance to win a free vacation!?

I just took a quiz from a UK travel agency called Parkdean Holidays to be entered to win a prize of a 7 day stay at one of their two dozen resorts across the UK for your family- it’s worth 750 pounds.

I expect my English reader will do better than I did, although I didn’t bomb it. I got a score of 534 (I am pretty sure I missed half of them).

The quiz is right below if you want to try your chances. They’ll show you two photos at a time, one “home” aka UK, and one “away” of beaches and waterfalls. Just make your guess and see how many of the ten you get right.

Make sure after you finish the quiz, you enter you e-mail after so they can contact you if you win.

Crossing my fingers!

Did know Newquay from Nice? Let me know in the comments how you did in the Home or Away Quiz!

The only time I’ve spent beachside in the UK is when Ben took me to Brighton Pier, but I’ve always wanted to see more. I’ve explored the Brighton lanes, his hometown in Kent, and London a couple of times, but it’s the countryside I really hope to see, as well as Cornwall.

Brighton Lanes

Would you like more posts like this, with chances to win trips abroad? This post was in partnership with Parkdean Holidays.

The post Want to Win a Free Vacation in the UK? first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Want to Win a Free Vacation in the UK? appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Interview with Another Girlie-girl Traveler: Jo from Dirty Paws Blog

Rachel Jones — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 09:29:52 +0000

“It’s time to get your paws dirty…” a travel blog interview.

Jo and Chris met in the office and are about to leave it all behind, even their little cat, and take the world by storm, starting in Malaysia and ending in Nepal, the adventure will be extreme! Jo has a degree in Geography and is PADI certified. She can’t say no to buying a grey tee shirt and multiple lipsticks. Not one for zip off cargo pants, Jo likes to stay stylish while on the road. Jo really caught my attention when she posted how “the shopaholic” saved money for travel. I decided I’d ask her some questions about what she likes to pack and so forth… read on & there will be some links to her blog as well! Definitely take some time to stop over and say Hi to her :)

Interview with Jo:

1. You met your boyfriend in the office and the two of you are leaving. What was the catalyst for that jump- the ONE thing that made you guys know you could do it?

The fact that we could live AND work together without killing each other. We spend almost every second of every day together and we still love being with each other. It doesn’t matter how much you love each other, if you can’t be in the same space as that person constantly, travelling together is not for you. Travelling also exacerbates the fact you are together because at some point you will be tired, dirty and frustrated at some point and the key is not to use your partner as an emotional punching bag.

2. As a lipstick lover a) which is your favorite b) which one(s) will you be taking on your trip?

I think lipsticks are a totally underrated travel accessory! A quick application of red lipstick can take your outfit from day-time casual to super cute night time party. Why wouldn’t you stuff a couple in your bag? I will be taking three on my trip. A fiery orange-based red, a bright but wearable pink and a nice neutral “your lips, but better ” colour. My favourite has to be the fiery red. When you have bit of a tan, this colour can look really pretty (Think Amber Heard in The Rum Diaries).

3. What other makeup do you feel like you have to have in case of a big night out?

When travelling it’s great to keep it simple and fresh. A smidge of BB cream, a bit of rosy pink blush, waterproof mascara (for the inevitable end of the night swim) and a bit of tinted chapstick or lipstick. If I am feeling extra fancy then I will get out an black liquid eyeliner and do a bit of a cat eye flick.

4. Do you have a special skin care regime while you’re on the road or do you let the sunlight exposure alone keep you looking fresh?

I am a big fan of all natural skin products like the one’s from Lush. I will always, always take my make-up off at the end of the day (usually with a face-wipe). It gives me the heebie jeebies to even think about going to bed with stuff on my face. I also wash my face twice a day with either Lush’s Herbalism or Angels on Bare Skin, then I use just a cheap moisturiser to keep my skin looking fresh. I like the idea of using environmentally friendly products because so many of these developing countries struggle with environmental issues and I’m happy not to contribute.

5. As a fashionista, do you dress cute for flights or do you let that be your “time off” and dress comfortable?

I have a set outfit for flights that I think is cute and comfortable. This outfit has never failed me and is super comfy. Black leggings, a long-sleeve cotton top, a pashmina or cotton scarf and my cream coloured converse. I usually also take my super cozy American Apparel hoodie with me too because sometimes the airplane can be a tad overzealous with the air conditioning. My dad ( who is a commercial airline pilot) told me that budget airline’s such as Air Asia turn the air-conditioning way high so that the passengers will have to pay the $10 for a blanket. So be prepared and always take something warm!

6. What shoes do you use for every day walking and sightseeing? flip flops, cute sandals.. maybe somewhat nerdy chacos like me?

So many travellers have chacos! I must try these… I can’t go past a nice pair of cream converse. They match everything and are really comfy after you break them in. They do get dirty easily but you can rinse them down and they retain their shape.

7. If someone said to you “I could never live out of a backpack for 3 months” what would be the first advice you would give them?

You need so much less than you think you do. Without getting too deep, collecting and surrounding yourself with material goods can be a really bad habit and breaking the need to have all these things is extremely liberating. It an be particularly hard for girls because we are constantly told that we need all these “things’ to make us beautiful. We are told we need to straighten our hair, put a tonne of make-up on and wear the latest clothes to be pretty and popular. In actual fact, the most beautiful girls are the one’s that are confident with themselves and how they naturally look. I really think that travel gives you that confidence and freedom and develop’s the most important part of you, your character!

8. As a certified PADI rescue diver, what advice would you give people who want to use that as a means to make money while abroad? Is it practical?

It seems that everyone and their uncle has a scuba certification nowadays so its definitely not as easy as it used to be. I would advise taking an alternative route and instead of working as a dive instructor or dive meter, use your qualifications to work or volunteer at a conservation group. I did this in Madagascar and Mauritius and it was great!You might not make as much money but giving back on your travels is really important.

9. When you don’t get a chance to shower and wash your hair, what is your go-to hair style to hide the mess? (mine is a side braid!)

I think I have this in common with a lot of girls when I say that if I haven’t washed my hair in awhile, the messy bun is where it’s at! Just put all your hair in messy bun on top of your head and your good to go. It gets your hair out of your face and you don’t even have to think about it. If your wanting something a little more, then tie a head scarf around your head or add in a braid or two.

10. What’s the one material item you’ll miss from home, comfy beds, pizza?

My bed is definitely something I will miss because in the process of saving money for travel I have become such a homebody. There is nothing quite as comfortable as watching movies in bed all day long. Also, not sure if he counts as a material item but my cat Soufflé will be sorely missed.

The post Interview with Another Girlie-girl Traveler: Jo from Dirty Paws Blog first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Interview with Another Girlie-girl Traveler: Jo from Dirty Paws Blog appeared first on Hippie In Heels.